Peer Programs

There are several peer-led programs, support groups, and outreach services available in Saskatchewan. Each program is unique and is created with input and guidance from its peer members.

Goals

Regardless of the program type, the goals of all peer programs are to:

  • Provide non-judgemental support
  • Reduce stigma and discrimination

  • Improve and/or maintain physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being of those accessing peer programs

  • Provide information on harm reduction strategies and how to access these services

  • Support individuals to seek care earlier and more often

  • Reduce the spread of HIV

  • Create a safe and positive space for sharing experiences and asking questions

There are 3 types of peer programs:

  • 1

    Support groups that are open to all people living with HIV and/or those at risk of getting HIV.

  • 2

    Outreach services that allow trained peers to go out into the community to provide support and information to people living with HIV and/or those at risk of getting HIV.

  • 3

    Peer-to-peer programs that match a peer mentor living with HIV with another person living with HIV (also known as a “mentee”).

Peer-to-peer programs provide a unique link for individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, those that are admitted to the hospital or other facilities, as well as people that may require tailored support. Peer mentors are trained members of the community who are living with HIV and maintain client confidentiality. A match between the Peer Mentor and Mentee is made by considering their backgrounds, life experiences, and the Mentee’s personal preferences.

Peer support is tailored to meet needs. Some support may include:

  • Connect individuals with community resources and programs

  • Help people living with HIV find their way in the health care system

  • Share their own experiences about living with HIV

  • Assist individuals with learning healthy ways to cope with the daily challenges of living with HIV

  • Model self-care

  • Listen to concerns and fears about their HIV diagnosis

  • Support and encourage harm reduction practices

  • Provide access to cultural supports and services

Peer Programs, Support Groups, and Outreach Services in Saskatchewan

Regina Peer-to-Peer Program

A mentorship program where peer mentors living with HIV provide ongoing support to mentees who are living with HIV. Peer mentors use their lived experience to provide non-judgmental phone and in-person support.

  • Location: Population and Public Health, Communicable Disease/Sexual Health Program, 2110 Hamilton Street, Regina.
  • Hours of operation: Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Phone number: (306) 766-6857
  • Contact: Christina Cornwell

Regina Peer Outreach Services

Drop-in services lead by peer mentors for all people living with HIV.

  • Location: AIDS Programs South Saskatchewan, 1325 Albert Street, Regina
  • Hours of operation: Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. as well as Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Monthly support meetings lead by peer mentors for all people living with HIV.

  • Location: Population and Public Health, Communicable Disease/Sexual Health Program, 2110 Hamilton Street, Regina
  • Hours of operation: Last Monday of each month from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Regina Peer At-Risk Group

  • Location: All Nations Hope Network, 2735 5th Avenue, Regina

  • Hours of operation: Thursdays from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Phone number: (306) 924-8424

RANDU (Regina Area Network of Drug Users)

RANDU is a community of people who use drugs and people who formerly used drugs that strives to improve the lives of people who use drugs through grassroots, peer-led support, education, and distribution of harm reduction supplies. The project is in its early stages and the details below are subject to change as it continues to grow.

  • Location: All Nations Hope Network, 2735 5th Avenue, Regina
  • Hours of operation: Variable, please contact for details
  • Phone number: (306) 924-8424
  • Contacts:

Saskatoon Peer-to-Peer Programs

Weekly group meetings for all people living with HIV.

  • Location: PLWA Drop-In Centre, 127C Avenue D North, Saskatoon
  • Hours of operation: Wednesdays from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
  • Phone number: (306) 373-7766

Weekly Elder group meetings for people living with HIV.

  • Location: PLWA Drop-In Centre, 127C Avenue D North, Saskatoon

  • Hours of operation: Most Fridays from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

  • Phone number: (306) 202-6318

  • Contact: Starla Pelletier, Mînôwin (Recovery) Worker

Saskatoon Peer Outreach Services

Hospital visits, community visits, and one-on-one supports for all people living with HIV through PLWA.

  • Phone number: (306) 373-7766
  • Contact: Laurie Schuette, Wellness Coordinator

Masterclasses

  • Location: PLWA Drop-In Centre, 127C Avenue D North, Saskatoon

  • Hours of operation: One Wednesday a month (call for more information)

  • Phone number: (306) 373-7766

  • Contact: Laurie Schuette, Wellness Coordinator

Prince Albert Peer Project

  • Location: Access Place – Sexual Health Clinic, #3 101-15th Street East, Prince Albert
  • Hours of operation: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. & 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed over the lunch hour).
  • Phone number: (306) 765-6535
  • Contact: Jerrika Ermine, Case Manager – Positive Care Program

North Battleford Peer Hub

A peer-led site that offers drop-in and/or appointment services such as harm reduction, HIV/Hep C, empowerment education, referrals, and peer support.

  • Location: The Peer Hub, 1187 101 Street, North Battleford
  • Hours of operation: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (drop-in and by appointment)
  • Phone number: (306) 481-4564
  • Contact: Leeanna McCoy, Outreach Worker

HIV Peer Mentors

The following information and definitions were created by members of the Regina Peer-to-Peer Program and was taken with permission from their program brochure.

Peer Mentors

Peer Mentors are trained members of the community who are living with HIV and provide support to others who are learning to cope with the daily challenges of living with HIV.

Peer Mentors:

  • Provide information
  • Bridge the gap with health care providers
  • Connect newly diagnosed individuals to community resources
  • Help people living with HIV find their way in the health care system
  • Support and encourage harm reduction
  • Support overall health and well-being
  • Share their own experience about how to live with HIV
  • Listen to concerns and fears
  • Model self-care
  • Maintain client confidentiality
  • Help people cope with daily struggles in a healthy way
  • Create a positive space

Mentees

Mentees are people living with HIV who may be newly diagnosed or in the hospital, may not be engaged in care, or may require tailored support. Mentors can offer them support.

A match between the mentor and mentee is made by taking into account:

  • Backgrounds
  • Life experiences
  • Mentee personal preference

Community-Based Organizations

The following is a list of community-based organizations that deliver programs and services to individuals living with or affected by HIV as well as those at risk of getting HIV.

Harm Reduction Programs

Harm reduction programs are part of a comprehensive public health disease prevention strategy to reduce the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C, and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBIs).

Providing equipment and supplies to people who use illicit drugs is one of the simplest, most effective means to reduce the spread of these diseases. The distribution of supplies is intended to reduce the sharing of used needles/syringes and other injecting equipment, provide safer inhalation supplies, and encourage safer sexual practices. Harm reduction programs also serve as an important means of connecting with people and engaging them in care.

HIV and the Law

There are a number of situations where understanding how HIV is addressed in the provincial and federal legal systems is important for people living with or affected by HIV. It is also important for service providers, advocates, and policy makers to understand how the law impacts people living with HIV. Specific legal information related to HIV includes: HIV testing, disclosure of HIV status, discrimination, patient rights, insurance, travel, and immigration.

The resources below should not be considered as legal advice to be used in an individual case. If you have questions about a specific case, please consult a lawyer.

Helpful Websites:

Resources:

HIV Telephone Hotline

Want to talk with someone? Prairie Harm Reduction (formally AIDS Saskatoon) has a free HIV hotline that doesn’t charge you long distance or cell phone minutes in Western Canada (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia). Call the number below to get answers to your questions about HIV.

1-800-667-6876

Sexual Health Textline

The Saskatoon Tribal Council has a new texting hotline service that will respond to questions related to sexual health topics including sexually transmitted infection (STI) symptoms, contraceptive methods, testing for STIs and other blood-borne infections, and where to access sexual health services.

The texting hotline is available Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

1-306-381-4529