We have been there, we understand, and
we are here
for you!
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Why Peer Support?

Shared experience is our connection.

When we go through challenging times, we gravitate towards those who have gone through similar circumstances in the hopes of finding a listening ear and a healthy dose of empathy.

Our peer support workers have gone through extensive training to connect through shared life experiences. They value your voice, your story and are ready to offer hope on the journey you will take together to explore/discover the strengths you already possess to live life on your terms.

Seeking help for

yourself?

Seeking help for Yourself?

If you are looking for support and connection, from one-on-one peer support to workshops, we are here to join you on your journey.
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Seeking help for

family or friends?

Seeking help for Family or Friends?

If you have a family member or friend going through a mental health/substance use challenge, one-on-one and group peer support is available to you in addition to workshops geared towards the unique experience of family and friends.
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Who we are

Our mission

Provide quality mental health education and value-based peer support for Manitobans and their families dealing with mental health challenges.

Authenticity
Integrity
Support

Our Values

Holistic
Respect

Mental Health Education

Workshops, classes, one-on-one education, articles and more. Our mental health education resources will give you the information and guidance you need.

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Our Events

OCTOBER 22th 2021

Iris Gala

OCTOBER 22th 2021
Iris Gala

The Iris Gala is your opportunity to experience a night out with friends, fine dining, fabulous entertainment, and most importantly to contribute to an amazing cause! This annual event is our biggest fundraiser and sells out each year. Learn more and reserve your seat or table today!
Learn More

September 7th 2021

Golf Tournament

September 7th 2021
Golf Tournament

Join us on the course at the Southwood Gold and Country Club for our 30th Annual Golf Tournament! All skill levels welcome. Proceeds go to support a wide variety of life changing programs and services at Peer Connections Manitoba.
Learn More

may, 2022

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Your Support Helps Us Help Others

Donors and sponsors play an integral role in changing the lives of the people we support. If you are interested in learning about how you can partner with Peer Connections Manitoba, we want to hear from you!

Become a Sponsor
Make a Donation

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd 2
Nicolino's Shield logo 1 of 2 2
Payworks_RGB 2
Maple Leaf Construction 2
Canada Life 2
Randall Plumbing and Heating Ltd 2
Tacium Vincent & Associates 2
North West Capital Partners 2
Sigurdson Financial Group Inc 2
Richardson GMP 2
Triple E RV 2
Carpedia Shield - Bronze Sponsor
Eagle Ind - Hole Sponsor
harwood_vector - Bronze Sponsor
LifeWorks-Logo - Gold Sponsor
LocalGood2Go logo_dark - Bronze Sponsor
TELUS Health - Platinum Sponsor
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Contact

(204) 786-1616
FAX: (204) 783-4898
info@peerconnectionsmb.ca

Our Main Office: 100 – 4 Fort Street |
Winnipeg, Manitoba | R3C 1C4

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Gillian Nattress
Vice President Peer Connections Manitoba
Gillian is the Vice President of the Board of Peer Connections Manitoba, who joined the board in March of 2020. Gillian is a Registered Nurse who is part of the management team with Shared Health. She manages the Support Staff and Nurses of the Float Pools at Health Sciences Centre. She has been a nurse for over 20 years and first became involved with the former Manitoba Schizophrenia Society when she worked for the University of Manitoba and brought nursing students to many of MSS educational programs. Gillian has family members living with mental illness and feel passionately about being a part of a culture that normalizes taking care of mental health.
Alex Sawatsky
President
Alex Sawatsky is the Director as well as an Associate Professor with the Faculty of Social Work at Booth University College where he has been teaching for the last 15 years.
His previous career was in mental health services in the U.S.  He was a member of the board of directors for 6 years with the Manitoba Institute of Registered Social Workers (MIRSW; 2007-2013) and presently a member of the board of directors of the Manitoba College of Social Workers (MCSW).
As of January 2017, he is newly elected as a member of the board of directors at the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society (MSS) and the acting president of the board of directors for Peer Connections Manitoba at this time.
In his spare time, he tries to run all the time and on trails as much as possible.  He still thinks it’s a hobby and not an obsession.

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Florence Keeper
My name is Florence Keeper, I am from Nelson House, known as Nischawasik Cree Nation. Grew up and attended school there, attended high school in Thompson. Later attended Brandon university. I am a mother of six, 5 sons, one daughter, a grandmother of two wonderful boys and a granddaughter. So, I’ve been busy! We’ve lived in Winnipeg now for 20 years.

My work experience has always been health delivery. Medical Transportation and Referral Services. WRHA with the Aboriginal Health Service as Discharge Planning Coordinator. I have been involved with Boards as a member in CMHA, Mental Health Community Service, Women’s Crisis Centre in Thompson. I retired in 2014, not my wish but due to health issues. In 2002, a loved one became ill with a mental illness. I found ourselves, meaning the whole family in distress. Not understanding the illness and our new journey began. With supports, resources various hospitals and community programs, we would have not survived. Today, we are in better situation but continue to live with it. When I asked to be member of the MMS board, I was eager as I feel I better understanding and can contribute to support the issue for others. I am proud to say we have provided support to other parents here and in the northern area as we know many people from there. I enjoy talking to people, reading, bead w travelling, explore new things when I can.

Felica Owadara
Hi everyone, my name is Felicia Owadara, but my family mostly calls me Felicity, and I am from Nigeria. I like going for a walk, and part of my daily routine is reading a book daily. I love to engage in meaningful conversation to enrich my knowledge.
Professionally, I worked for a couple of years as a health social worker in the Psychiatric Unit at the Teaching Hospital Ibadan, where I develop an interest in the social integration of mental health service users. I later travelled to the United Kingdom for a master’s degree in social policy and social work research. While I was in the UK, I joined the Kyra women project, an organization that focuses on women’s wellbeing, until I returned to my country.

I am currently undergoing a doctoral degree program at the Faculty of Social work, University of Manitoba; I am a member of the board of director for the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society agency, now referred to as Peer Connection. Joining the organization is relatively novel to me and shaping my experience and knowledge; I am happy to be here and help in a way that I could.

Stephanie Loewen
Secretary to the Board of Directors

Stephanie is the Executive Director of Policy, Programs and Learning for the Manitoba Civil Service Commission. She has been with the Manitoba Government for 12 years, with 10 years spent in mental health, suicide prevention, and addictions policy and oversight. Before government, Stephanie worked as the outreach manager for the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society for six years in both the south and northeastern regions of Manitoba. Since her teenage years, she has had a keen interest in mental health and well-being, playing “therapist” to her friends. Having experienced episodes of debilitating depression and anxiety in her early adulthood, she became well-aware of the inadequacies, gaps and barriers in the healthcare system, as well as in mental health services. Stephanie is a passionate advocate for mental health promotion, destigmatizing mental health and mental illness, and sharing our common and diverse human experiences with compassion, self-love, grace, and humour (wherever possible!) When not working, she loves beating her family in ping pong, tasting and rating Manitoba’s amazing craft beer selections, and listening to podcasts about leadership, self-compassion and bravery.

Gillian Nattress
Vice President Peer Connections Manitoba
Gillian is the Vice President of the Board of Peer Connections Manitoba, who joined the board in March of 2020. Gillian is a Registered Nurse who is part of the management team with Shared Health. She manages the Support Staff and Nurses of the Float Pools at Health Sciences Centre. She has been a nurse for over 20 years and first became involved with the former Manitoba Schizophrenia Society when she worked for the University of Manitoba and brought nursing students to many of MSS educational programs. Gillian has family members living with mental illness and feel passionately about being a part of a culture that normalizes taking care of mental health.
Best part of my workday; Recruiting future nurses and encouraging the development of best practice standards.
I love to decorate, cook, and bake, and am very social. I am looking forward to entertaining again sometime soon.

I am constantly making lists and checking off some accomplishments…makes me feel like I am getting somewhere with my daily tasks!

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