Peer Connect Pilot
Connect virtually with peers in the cystic fibrosis community in a small group setting. Sign up now and be the first to know when groups are open for registration!
Participate in our Peer Connect Pilot Program!
Peer Connect is Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s new pilot program designed to connect peers in the CF community in a safe, supportive, virtual space.
Living with cystic fibrosis or supporting someone who lives with cystic fibrosis can be an isolating experience. Connection can have a positive impact on well-being and Cystic Fibrosis Canada has heard loudly and clearly that Canadians living with CF or supporting someone with CF need more ways to connect with one-another. The Peer Connect pilot program’s virtual peer-led conversation groups offer opportunities for connection by bringing community members with similar experiences together. Conversation topics (that you’ll see when choosing a group session) will help get conversation flowing.
Pilot Program Details
During the pilot, we are offering two streams of peer groups and we plan to expand our offering in the future. The groups offered during the pilot are for:
1. people living with CF
2. parents and guardians of people with CF
Each group is co-facilitated by two trained peer volunteers from the CF community who have lived experience as a person living with CF or supporting someone with CF. Groups are attended by up to 8 others who fall into the intended audience of that group (e.g. a group for people with cystic fibrosis is attended by people with cystic fibrosis). Together, the co-facilitators and group participants connect, share and listen to each others’ experiences, guided by our code of conduct that is shared before every group session and spurred by the conversation topic assigned to each session.
Meet others who understand your journey and, together, find a space of understanding, encouragement and hope.
*Peer connect groups are launching soon. Register your interest to be the first to know when they’re live!
Be the first to knowWhy join?
The benefits of attending a Peer Connect group include:
Connecting in confidence in a safe environment with others who have similar experiences.
Hearing how others have coped through whatever they were dealing with.
Finding authentic validation and a sense of community.
Coming together virtually with others in the same boat you’re in to create a space of support, encouragement and hope.
Values
Our Peer Connect pilot program follows the values of the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC), modified for the cystic fibrosis community:
Hope and Resilience – Acknowledging the power of hope and the ability to develop resilience through social support networks and learning from shared experiences.
Self-Determination – Having faith that each person intrinsically knows which path is most suitable for them and their needs, noting that it is the peer’s choice whether to become involved in a group.
Empathetic and Equal Relationships – noting that the Group Facilitator relationship and all involved can benefit from the reciprocity and better understanding that comes from similar lived experiences.
Dignity, respect and social inclusion – acknowledging the intrinsic worth of all individuals, whatever their background, preferences or situation.
Integrity, authenticity and trust – noting that confidentiality, reliability and ethical behaviour are honoured in each and every interaction.
Health and wellness – acknowledging all aspects of a healthy and full life.
Lifelong learning and personal growth – acknowledging the value of learning, changing, and developing new perspectives for all individuals.
FAQ
How does it work?
You can sign up for a virtual group that reflects your connection to CF, has a conversation topic of interest to you and works with your schedule. Groups will be led by two peer facilitators (trained Cystic Fibrosis Canada volunteers with lived experience) and have a maximum of eight participants. Sessions will be hosted via Zoom and will be at least one hour long.
Who can participate?
Our pilot program is offering groups for:
1. people living with cystic fibrosis and
2. parents/guardians of people with cystic fibrosis.
Register for a group that aligns with your own lived experience. We hope to expand our group offerings in the future. If there is no group that fits with your lived experience right now, please check back another time.
Who can join?
You can sign up for a virtual Peer Connect group session through the Events page on our website.
What kind of time commitment is involved?
Sessions will last for at least one hour. Check the event duration when choosing which group to attend.
How do the conversation topics work?
Each group session will have a conversation topic that is assigned by the volunteer Group-Facilitators leading it. The topics are informed by: requests from Peer Connect participants; insights from community surveys or focus groups by CF Canada; the volunteer Group Facilitator’s personal experiences. Topics are used as conversation starters. Conversation may naturally meander away from the assigned topic into other areas that are meaningful for participants and that’s OK.
Who are the Group Facilitators?
Each Group Facilitator is a member of the cystic fibrosis community just like you. They applied to volunteer as a Group Facilitator in the Peer Connect pilot program and underwent screening and training to qualify for the role. They adhere to a group facilitator code of conduct and Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s volunteer policies and code of conduct.
You can find a blurb about each facilitator in the session description of each group. Please be sure to thank them for their amazing volunteer efforts to make Peer Connect possible.
What does ‘pilot program’ mean?
The program is in the testing and evaluation phase. The pilot will be evaluated in Spring 2026 to determine its future. Group participants can make an impact to help evaluate and improve the program during this pilot phase by sharing their experiences and perspectives.
The group session is full – is there a waitlist?
There is no waitlist currently, but we will evaluate the need for this as the pilot program progresses. It is first-come, first-served.
How can I volunteer for this program?
Our next intake for French-speaking volunteers is happening in the fall of 2025.
Our next intake for English-speaking volunteers is happening in the spring of 2026.
Please keep an eye on our website and other channels to express your interest.
Is this program offered in French?
Yes. Peer Connect will be piloted in French in Fall/Winter 2025. Please stay tuned for a call-out for volunteers coming soon and the first groups happening later this year.
What if I have additional questions?
Reach out to info@cysticfibrosis.ca
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