Facilitate peer support meetings in Canada.

Supporting Young Adults & Families

• Hope Companions 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 young adults 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.

3 Reasons for Facilitating a Support Group

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Provide Peer Support

• 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.

Facilitate Educational Opportunities

• 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.

Affect Change in the System

• 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.