About Us

Quality peer support and value-based mental health
education for individuals and families.

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What is PCM?

Peer Connections Manitoba, formerly known as the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, is a charitable non-profit organization that connects individuals facing similar experiences and challenges, providing vital peer support since 2020. Through programs, workshops, and support groups, we foster a sense of belonging and empower individuals to share their stories, exchange knowledge, and offer emotional support. Since our establishment in 1978, we have been the pioneering organization to introduce value-based peer support in clinical and community settings. Our dedicated team of trained peer supporters plays a significant role in reducing isolation, promoting mental health, and encouraging personal growth and resilience.

Our Mission

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

Our Vision

Mental wellness for all.

What We Do

PCM is a pioneering organization in introducing formalized, value-based peer support within select clinical settings. Trained peer supporters, who have lived experience with mental health or substance use challenges, collaborate with healthcare professionals to offer support, guidance, and empathy to individuals receiving clinical treatment. We aim to compliment traditional healthcare services, providing a unique perspective and understanding to those navigating their mental health journey. 

PCM facilitates community-based peer support, workshops, and support groups. These initiatives connect individuals facing similar challenges, allowing them to share experiences, offer mutual support, and build a sense of belonging. Through these connections, PCM promotes well-being, reduces isolation, and fosters resilience in the community.

PCM recognizes the importance of education in promoting mental health and destigmatizing mental illness. We offer various educational resources and workshops that aim to increase awareness, understanding, and knowledge surrounding mental health. By providing accessible information, PCM empowers individuals, families, and communities to actively engage in mental health promotion and advocate for positive change.

We play a crucial role in bridging the gap between clinical care and community support. Through peer support in clinical settings, community peer support programs, and mental health education initiatives, PCM strives to enhance well-being, reduce stigma, and empower individuals on their mental health journey.

What is Value-Based Peer Support?

At Peer Connections Manitoba, we prioritize specialized training and certification for our staff, acknowledging the significance of lived experiences in mental health and substance use. We differentiate ourselves by offering value-based individual and family peer support, recognizing the distinct needs of these groups. Peer support is a valuable form of assistance and guidance provided by individuals who have firsthand experience with these challenges. By blending shared experiences with professional training, we create a supportive space that fosters meaningful connections, empowerment, and opportunities for personal growth. Our commitment to continuous learning and wellness ensures that we deliver the highest quality of support to those seeking our services.

It recognizes and respects individuals’ right to make choices and decisions about their own lives. 

It promotes a sense of equality, collaboration, and reciprocity in relationships between peers. 

It fosters optimism, belief in the potential for growth and recovery, and the importance of shared experiences. 

It focuses on supporting individuals in their journey towards improved health, well-being, and personal recovery. 

It values open communication, trust, and authenticity in building relationships. 

It upholds ethical conduct, confidentiality, and trustworthiness in peer interactions. 

It promotes treating all individuals with dignity, respect, and non-judgmental attitudes. 

It encourages continuous learning, personal development, and the acquisition of new skills and knowledge. 

These values, rooted in the principles of the Mental Health Commission of Canada, form the foundation of our peer support practice, ensuring a supportive and empowering environment for individuals and families seeking assistance and connection.

Explore the importance of integrating peer support into Canada’s healthcare system –
Mental Health Commission of Canada