Become a Hope Companions Peer Supporter
Facilitate peer support meetings for young adults and caregivers across Canada.
Hope Companions currently offers national online peer support meet-ups through Zoom for caregivers and young adults ages 18–35 navigating PANS/PANDAS. At this time, our support groups are offered virtually to help connect 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 program is volunteer-driven and led by people with lived experience who want to help others feel less alone, more supported, and more hopeful.
Peer Supporter Criteria Overview
Interested in helping others feel less alone?
Sign up today to learn more about becoming a Hope Companions Peer Supporter.
Supporting Young Adults & Caregivers
Hope Companions peer support groups provide connection and support for young adults ages 18–35 living with PANS/PANDAS, as well as caregivers supporting children, youth, and young adults affected by PANS/PANDAS.
Peer supporters help create safe, welcoming virtual spaces where participants can share experiences, learn from one another, and find practical support related to caregiving, mental health, system navigation, education, work, and daily life challenges.
The role of a peer supporter may include facilitating virtual meetings, helping foster community connections, sharing helpful resources, and supporting participants in feeling heard and understood.
Reasons to Facilitate a Support Group
1. Provide Peer Support
Peer support is at the heart of IBA’s work. By sharing lived experience, peer supporters help caregivers and young adults feel less isolated as they navigate PANS/PANDAS.
Peer supporters may help facilitate national virtual meetings that bring together participants from across Canada. Meeting frequency may vary depending on volunteer capacity and community needs.
2. Facilitate Learning Opportunities
Peer supporters may help create opportunities for learning and connection. This could include guest speakers, workshops, resource sharing, or conversations shaped by the needs and interests of the group.
These opportunities help participants access practical information and feel more supported while navigating medical, mental health, education, workplace, and community systems.
3. Help Affect Change in the System
Peer supporters play an important role in lifting up patient and caregiver voices. By sharing lived experience and community feedback, they help bring attention to the challenges families and young adults face within medical, mental health, education, and support systems.
Some peer supporters may also contribute to advisory committees, education initiatives, research conversations, or other opportunities that help improve awareness and care for PANS/PANDAS.