We’re looking for dynamic, interactive workshops that share real-world experiences, amplify diverse voices, and equip participants with tools they can put into action. Peer support has earned its credibility as a powerful approach rooted in lived and living experiences in supporting those who struggle. This conference seeks abstracts that will help us explore how to further leverage peer support across health care systems, community, and workplace settings to complement and enhance existing services.
No matter your sector, peer support has a place:
• Construction & trades
• First responder organizations
• Government & public policy
• Business and private enterprise
• High-stress environments
• Healthcare and clinical programs
• Community services
• Substance use programs
• Post-secondary education
…… Step forward, your perspective is needed
TOPIC AREAS
We welcome abstracts that connect with a broad audience; whether you are a peer supporter, researcher, clinician, workplace leader, or policymaker. Our focus is on sharing knowledge, sparking innovation, and building practical skills that advance peer support as a best practice in diverse environments.
All presentations must clearly embody the core values of peer support and be rooted in living and lived experience. The selection committee will favor abstracts that drive innovation, inspire participants, expand knowledge, enhance skill development, and effectively share best practices.
We welcome submissions across the following areas:
Advanced Peer Support Skills
Skill-based workshops and training's focused on peer support competencies such as trauma-informed support, group facilitation, frontline leadership, and diversity-centered practices, including anti-racism and equity-informed approaches.
Participants will also engage in practical demonstrations and real-world application of the skills learned, ensuring hands-on experience and integration into daily practice. Sessions aimed at building peer support skills should include clear learning objectives, as participation may count toward the 200 hours required for Peer Support Canada’s National Certification.
Peer Support Specific to Substance Use
Health
We seek workshops presenting peer-driven approaches to substance use health, including harm reduction or abstinence approaches, recovery pathways, stigma reduction, and promoting social inclusion. Sessions should emphasize dignity, autonomy, community connection, and evidence-based peer interventions addressing substance use health. We particularly welcome sessions that promote social inclusion, challenge stigma, and centre the dignity and autonomy of all.
Research
Presentations in this area will share original research findings, evaluations, or literature reviews focused on peer support effectiveness, innovative methodologies, and measurable outcomes. We particularly encourage submissions that present evidence suggesting ways in which peer support practices can be enhanced or improved, thus furthering the effective use and impact of peer support. We welcome practice-based evidence, emerging trends, and studies that support the continuous improvement of peer support practices and policies. Be part of something transformational.
Community Peer Support
This area centers on community-driven peer support initiatives addressing mental health needs within diverse populations, including marginalized or underserved groups, across both urban and rural settings. Workshops should showcase successful community engagement models, culturally informed practices, strategies to overcome systemic barriers, address unique challenges inherent to urban or rural contexts, and ensure program sustainability and empowerment.
Peer Support Inside Clinical Settings
Abstracts should detail practical experiences, challenges, and successes in integrating peer support within clinical settings such as hospitals, clinics, and mental health treatment facilities. Sessions might explore collaboration with clinical teams, impact on patient outcomes, and effective strategies for embedding peer roles sustainably within healthcare environments. Proposals should also address strategies for maximizing the impact of peer support without overtaking or compromising the independent, arms-length nature of peer practice, highlighting methods to maintain balance and autonomy in peer roles.
Workplace Peer Support
This stream invites abstracts showcasing innovative peer support models designed specifically for workplace settings across sectors such as public and private organizations, first responders, construction, and trauma-exposed workplaces. Emphasis should be on mental health prevention, early intervention, and supporting recovery. Workshops might highlight case studies, best practices for implementation, evaluation frameworks used, and measurable impacts such as reduced absenteeism, burnout, improved employee engagement and how these are connected to productivity and ROI.
Peer Support and Use of Technology
Presentations should explore the integration and advancement of digital technology within peer support initiatives. Topics may include app-based support systems, virtual platforms, innovative training technologies, AI-driven solutions, and case studies demonstrating increased accessibility, scalability, and effectiveness through technology.e
Please choose your preferred presentation format:
• Concurrent Session (e.g. information sharing, case study presentation, workshops)
• Poster Presentation (Display space for posters will be offered)
Abstract Submission Deadlines:
Call for Abstracts opens | September 3, 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline |
November 7, 2025
Results Notification | December 1 2025
Please provide presenter names as you would like them to appear in the conference program:
Please note: Based on the number of presentations we receive, we may have to combine presentations. If your abstract is not accepted, you may have an opportunity to present a poster presentation.
Please note: The presenter may submit multiple abstracts for the conference. One submission for each presentation.