Building Support: The development of a grass-roots peer program.
Session Description
In this session Mike Skinner with OSI-CAN will share how a grass roots peer support program is changing what support looks like in the first responder community and beyond.
Mike will share experiences and lessons learned along the way. This presentaton will include:
- talking about being trauma informed / trauma-aware
- Developing facilitator education
- Group support and logistics
- Challenges and Successes
- Information Sharing (support, funding, value-added services)
Speaker Biography
I’m humbled to have served in emergency services for the past 31 years. Currently, I’m an Officer Qualified, Firefighter/Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP) with a high degree of experience and expertise. Through many roles and engagements, I’ve developed a demonstrated history of working in the municipal public safety sector, providing emergency response, and mental health leadership to improve the environment for our public safety personnel. I’m a lived-experience peer who understands the need for better mental health support. Someone who believes that by engaging organizations and empowering people we will bring about the resources and environments we need for a positive recovery.
