Facilitate peer support meetings in Canada.

Peer support for adult patients and families.

Supporting Patients & Families

Peer support groups are community-based groups throughout Canada, that offer peer support for adults living with PANS PANDAS, as well, families supporting children with PANS PANDAS.
IBA’s support program is run by volunteers with lived experience. Our peer supporters are passionate and want to help others by sharing their experiences to empower and provide hope to others.
The key role of a peer supporter is to facilitate peer support to adult patients or families online and/or in their local community by offering emotional support, and education related to challenges and support with system navigation.
Having local community groups ensures a link to local medical and mental health services and resources.

Organize and facilitate peer support groups online and in their community.
For many groups this is facilitated through a quarterly meeting.
Providing support through shared experience is at the heart of IBA, and is a key support to the community.
Medical and mental health services can be fragmented and frustrating for parents and caregivers to navigate. Our peer support groups help families with their journey.

May facilitate opportunities for learning and development. These opportunities may range from guest speakers to workshops, or the sharing of information from local service providers.
Consult with families to identify their needs and interests and organize the group accordingly.

Play a pivotal role in affecting change in the medical and mental health system by lifting up patient and family voices about the challenges they encountered on their journey.
May sit on patient/family advisory committees, education advisory committees, and be advisors for PANS PANDAS research studies.
Many peer supporters realize their unique role to not only share their perspective on system improvement, but to also bring the family voice.