The Peer Support Guidebook, a valuable resource developed by the Youth Mental Health and Addictions Council (YMHAC) in response to the growing need for mental health support among young people. In today’s world, mental illness affects a significant portion of youth, making it crucial to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to provide effective peer support.

The Peer Support Guidebook was born out of the recognition that young adults, particularly during the challenges of the pandemic, face struggles related to their mental health and often find themselves supporting friends in similar situations. This guidebook aims to address these needs by offering practical advice and strategies for both supporting friends and practicing self-care.

Inside this guidebook, you will learn:

• Understanding Mental Health and Mental Illness
  • Gain insights into the basics of mental health and mental illness, empowering you to recognize and understand various conditions such as anxiety, eating disorders, depression, and PTSD.
• Understanding Potentially Harmful Behaviors
  • Learn about potentially harmful behaviors like self-harm, suicide, and substance abuse, along with an overview of the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act to ensure you are well-informed and capable of providing appropriate support.
• How to Talk to Your Friend
  • Receive practical guidelines on how to initiate and navigate conversations about mental health with friends, including tips on empathy, active listening, mindfulness, and peer support.
• Chapter 4: Taking Care of Yourself
  • Explore the importance of self-care and discover techniques to implement self-care practices effectively in your daily life. This chapter also provides productivity tips to help you maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

The development of the Peer Support Guidebook was a collaborative effort by the youth members of YMHAC in London Middlesex. Despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the team worked diligently over distance for over a year to create and validate the content, ensuring its practicality and effectiveness.

By utilizing the Peer Support Guidebook, you are not only equipping yourself with valuable knowledge and skills but also contributing to breaking down stigma surrounding mental health. Empowering youth to support their friends while prioritizing their own well-being is essential in fostering a supportive and resilient community.

Download the Mental Health Peer Support Guidebook: Click here!

Want to get involved with the Guidebook? Contact us here!