Peer Connect Pilot
Connect virtually with peers in the cystic fibrosis community in a small group setting. View our upcoming groups and register today to join a conversation and start connecting.
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) 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.
Why 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.
