Why Join a Hope Companions Group?

A supportive Canadian community of belonging with peers who share similar experiences.

Upcoming Meetings Meet the Peer Supporters

Hope Companions Peer Support & Connection Groups

Living with PANS/PANDAS can be challenging, not only for those affected but also for the families who support them. Many individuals and caregivers describe feeling isolated, misunderstood, or alone as they navigate symptoms, treatment decisions, school challenges, relationships, and everyday life.

Hope Companions offers virtual peer support and connection groups that bring together people with shared experiences from across Canada. These facilitated gatherings provide opportunities to connect, learn from one another, exchange practical insights, and build meaningful relationships with others who understand the PANS/PANDAS journey.

At this time, Hope Companions offers virtual groups for caregivers and adults ages 18–35 affected by PANS/PANDAS. We are also exploring a future Youth Connection Group for Canadian youth ages 12–17.

Our groups are intended to foster connection, encouragement, and belonging. They are not therapy, counselling, crisis intervention, or medical care.

Currently, all Hope Companions groups are offered virtually through Zoom and are available to participants across Canada. As the program grows and community needs evolve, additional regional or in-person opportunities may be explored in the future.

Our peer support and connection programs are volunteer-driven and led by people with lived experience who want to help others feel less alone, more supported, and more hopeful.

Participation is free and does not require any ongoing commitment.

I’m grateful there are groups like this where we can come together online and support one another through the challenges of PANS/PANDAS.
Hope Companions peer support member

Upcoming Meetings

Meet the Peer Supporters

Become a Peer Supporter

Support & Connection Groups

For caregivers supporting a child, youth, or adult affected by PANS/PANDAS

Caring for someone affected by PANS/PANDAS can be overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally exhausting. Many caregivers find themselves navigating complex medical systems, school challenges, family stress, and uncertainty while trying to support their loved one.

The Hope Companions Caregiver Peer Support Group provides a welcoming space where caregivers can connect with others who understand these unique challenges firsthand.

Facilitated by trained Peer Supporters with lived experience, these virtual gatherings offer opportunities to share experiences, exchange practical ideas, learn from one another, and receive encouragement from people who truly understand the journey.

Whether you are newly navigating a diagnosis or have been on this path for many years, you are welcome.

Topics May Include

Understanding and navigating PANS/PANDAS
School and educational challenges
Healthcare and treatment experiences
Family relationships and caregiving stress
Transitions and life changes
Self-care and caregiver wellbeing
Building resilience and hope

For Canadian adults living with PANS/PANDAS

Living with PANS/PANDAS as an adult can sometimes feel lonely and difficult to explain to others. Symptoms may affect friendships, education, employment, relationships, independence, and everyday life.

The Hope Companions Adult Connection Group is a facilitated online gathering for Canadian adults ages 18–35 living with PANS/PANDAS.

Participants are invited to share, listen, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections with peers who understand the challenges of navigating adulthood while managing chronic illness and fluctuating symptoms.

Whether you are looking for understanding, friendship, connection, or simply a place where you do not have to explain yourself, you are welcome.

Topics May Include

Navigating loneliness and isolation
Friendships and relationships
School, work, and career goals
Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare
Independence and self-advocacy
Mental wellness and resilience
Living well with chronic illness

Participants are welcome whether they wish to actively contribute to discussions or simply listen and connect with others.

Coming Soon | Pilot Program in Development

The Hope Companions Youth Connection Group is a future program being explored to help Canadian youth affected by PANS/PANDAS build friendships, foster belonging, and connect with peers who share similar experiences.

Living with PANS/PANDAS can sometimes feel isolating, especially when friends, classmates, or others may not fully understand the experience. Through age-appropriate activities, conversation, and shared interests, this group aims to create opportunities for youth to feel understood, included, and less alone.

The proposed program would focus on friendship, social connection, and community-building rather than therapy or counselling.

Proposed Activities and Topics

Friendships and feeling understood
School experiences and challenges
Hobbies and interests
Building confidence and self-advocacy
Games, trivia, and interactive activities
Finding connection with others who “get it”

Proposed Safety & Supervision Measures

Parent or guardian consent required
Parent or guardian available during sessions
A minimum of two trained adult facilitators
Small group size (approximately 8–10 participants)
Community guidelines reviewed at each session
No recording, screenshots, or sharing of meeting content

We are currently exploring community interest and program requirements before launching this initiative.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Participants are welcome to engage in the way that feels most comfortable. Some people enjoy sharing, while others prefer to listen.

Yes. Participation in Hope Companions peer support and connection groups is free.

No. Hope Companions groups are not therapy, counselling, crisis intervention, or medical care. They are facilitated peer support and connection programs.

Groups are facilitated by trained Hope Companions Peer Supporters, volunteers, or adult facilitators with lived experience and a commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces.

All Hope Companions groups are currently offered virtually through Zoom and are available to participants across Canada.

Visit our Upcoming Meetings page to view upcoming sessions and registration links.

What Our Groups Are

Hope Companions groups are:

Rooted in shared lived experience
Focused on connection, encouragement, and belonging
Facilitated by trained Peer Supporters or adult facilitators
Respectful, welcoming, and inclusive
Available virtually across Canada

What Our Groups Are Not

Hope Companions groups are not:

Therapy
Counselling
Crisis intervention
Medical advice
Clinical treatment

If you or someone you care for is experiencing a mental health crisis or requires urgent support, please contact local emergency services or a qualified healthcare professional.

Ready to Join?

Whether you are a caregiver seeking support or an adult looking to connect with others who understand the challenges of living with PANS/PANDAS, we invite you to join us.

View Upcoming Meetings