About Us

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

peer-connections-manitoba-icon-zoom

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 Vision

Mental wellness for all.

Our Mission

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

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.

The belief that everyone has the ability to recover and grow in their life.

The ability to find common ground between individuals with similar challenges and experiences.

The ability of an individual to make decisions about their own life and recovery.

The understanding that everyone is doing what they can with what they have, and each person deserves respect and to maintain their dignity.

The understanding that people will connect with someone who exemplifies the values they speak about.

The understanding that everyone’s vision of a healthy life is different but possible, and that everyone deserves the opportunity to seek out that vision.

The understanding that everyone has room to grow and deserves the opportunity to explore what that looks like, and to make decisions to pursue it.

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.