The Toronto Harm Reduction Task Force has put together this guide to create a peer run support network. It covers some of the principles of peer run agencies, the basics of harm reduction and much more.
Former drug users are encouraged to share their knowledge with other drug users and value the lived experiences of community members. Rather than stigmatizing former drug users, peer workers recognize that the basis of their expertise is built on understanding.
The guide also gets right into the ‘nitty gritty’ about what’s involved in creating this kind of community, whether it’s through a support group or full blown agency. The guide even includes a trouble shooting section where common issues around peer workers are explained with possible solutions.
These might include the status of the peer’s relation to drug use (past, casual or current), fighting stigma attached to the identity of drug user and how to match peer workers with the needs of the community.
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