Peer2Peer (P2P)
The Peer2Peer project aims to identify, implement, and evaluate peer-led support interventions for peers/ experiential workers in overdose response settings. The project consists of multiple components summarized below in the P2P Components Resource.
About the Peer2Peer (P2P) Project
- Background
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Publications
- Research Brief: Meaning and Motivation of Work for Peers in Overdose Response Environments in British Columbia (Nov 2020)
- Research Brief: Stressors Faced by Peer Workers in Overdose Response Settings (Jan 2021)
- Research Brief: Using Intervention Mapping to Develop 'ROSE' - An Intervention to Support Peer Workers in Overdose Response Settings (Nov 2021)
- Research Brief: Core Competencies of Peer Workers Who Use Pulse Oximeters to Supplement Their Overdose Response in British Columbia (Sep 2022)
- Research Brief: The Cost of Caring (Mar 2023)
- Infographics
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Evaluation
- Evaluation of Peer Engagment in the Peer2Peer Project (Oct 2021)
- Evaluation of the Use of Pulse Oximeters to Supplement Overdose Response in BC (Nov 2020)
- Evaluation of the Peer Supporter and Systems and Navigator Roles at SOLID Outreach Society (June 2021)
- Quantitative Evaluation of the Peer2Peer Project and the ROSE Model (Sep 2021)
- Evaluation of the Peer Worker Leadership Training (Nov 2021)
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Presentations
- Peer2Peer Project: Sustaining Meaningful Engagement of PWLLE in Overdose Response Settings (Nov 2021)
- Stigma Faced by Peer Workers in Overdose Response Settings – Presentation to the Co/Lab Community of Practice (May 2021)
- ROSE: A peer-led intervention to support peer workers in overdose response settings in British Columbia (Nov 2022)
- Peer2Peer Project: Resource for Peer Workers - Presentation to the Co/Lab Community of Practice (Mar 2023) Online. Confrence.
- Peer2Peer Scale-Up Project
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Peer Life: A Degree in Street Knowledge
"Peer Life: A Degree in Street Knowledge" is a comic book developed by Amy, Ryan, and Tracy - three of P2P's past PRAs, and Sophie - P2P's past research assistant. These comic strips are a collaborative snapshot into moments in time described by peers, and were created as part of Sophie's UBC Master's thesis project. The purpose of this project is to produce comics for other peers which offer explicit validation and recognition for the laborious and life-saving work they do. We also intend for it to educate those who aren't peer workers and to open a space to learn about the experiences of people who use drugs. We hope these stories inspire thought, reflection, and heart. Please email Sophie at sophie.mckenzie@mail.mcgill.ca to request a physical copy of the comic book.
Experiential workers, or peer workers with lived/living experience, are important service providers that play a crucial role in supporting individuals who use substances in overdose response settings.
These situations are stressful and can have lasting social, mental and emotional impacts for experiential workers. Unlike other healthcare providers and first responders, experiential workers often lack access to institutional or occupational mental health support.
The ROSE Initiative & Manual
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The ROSE Initiative
Eight peer-led focus groups (needs assessments) were conducted between November 2018 and March 2019 across the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island. Three major themes were identified from the needs assessment and formed the basis of the intervention model, “ROSE”; R-Recognition, O-Organizational Support, S-Skill Development, and E-for Everyone. Implementation of this intervention is currently being piloted at two organizations: RainCity Housing in Vancouver and Fraser regions, and Solid Outreach in Victoria.
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Best Practice Manual
The ROSE model can be implemented by organizations across Canada to better support experiential workers in their roles. The Best Practice Manual for Supporting Peers/ Experiential Workers in Overdose Response Settings consists of documents and resources created by experiential workers that can be tailored and implemented at different organizations:
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Other Resources
The ROSE Initiative is an intervention designed to support peers/experiential workers in the delivery of overdose responses, i.e. to work optimally, with reduced emotional, mental and social stress.
#PeerLife
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More Videos
- #PeerLife Video (11 minutes)
- #PeerLife Video (3 minutes)
- ‘Peers’ – A song written by Tracy Scott and Kat Wahamaa
To increase recognition for the crucial work done by experiential workers in overdose response settings, a video featuring ‘a day in the life of a peer’ has been developed. This video highlights stories of experiential workers’ lived experience within communities that use substances.
Dual Public Health Emergencies in BC
- Overdose Response
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Oximeter Guidelines
- Using an Oximeter During an Overdose Last Updated: Jan, 2021
- How to Use a Pulse Oximeter (Video)
- Evaluation of the Use of Pulse Oximeters to Supplement Overdose Response in BC (Nov 2020)
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COVID-19 Supports
- COVID-19 Support Guide for Marginalized Individuals in BC Last Update: July 27th, 2021
We are in the midst of a dual public health emergency in BC. Peers/experiential workers have been at the forefront of the opioid crisis since the public health emergency was declared in response to a rise in illicit drug overdose deaths. Below are resources for experiential workers:
Compassionate Action: An Anti-Stigma Campaign
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How Does the Campaign Work?
The Compassionate Action campaign consists of five modules, each highlighting a different context where PWUD often experience stigma. The guide for the Compassionate Action modules provides suggestions on what to consider while watching the video, a brief video clip, followed by prompts for a discussion between PWUD and service providers, ideally led by a facilitator in a physical or virtual classroom setting.
Questions for individual reflection are also provided in case some people review the videos independently. It is not necessary for individuals/ groups to complete all the modules; one may select the modules relevant to them.
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Compassionate Action Series Modules
The content for these videos was developed collaboratively by the Peer-2-Peer team, Cultural Safety team, and PEEP.
The modules in the Compassionate Action series include:
Scenario
Key Message
Hierarchies of Perceived Acceptable Substances and Modes of Ingestion
Don’t judge those who use substances. Acknowledge your privilege. Be compassionate.
You don't always know the whole story. Be compassionate.
Inequity faced by Peers/Experiential Workers within the Workplace
Experiential workers are the best people to connect with their community. Be compassionate
The only shameful thing about substance use is the stigma attached to it. Be compassionate.
People who use substances are the experts in responding to overdoses. Be compassionate.
The Compassionate Action modules are a series of interactive case study videos about stigma and discrimination experienced by People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) and an accompanying reflection/discussion guide.
The videos are based on real life experiences of PWUD, and build up on the Compassionate Engagement modules. The modules are designed to engage PWUD and the people who provide services to them, such as health care and frontline service providers, first responders, and organizational managers. Recognizing that many service providers have lived or living experience of substance use, the modules can be adapted to meet local needs and situations. Thus, the modules are intended to bring PWUD and other providers together to encourage collaboration and mutual respect.
