Become A
Peer Mentor

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Your experience can make a difference.

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Why Become a Peer Mentor?

Every one of our mentors joined because they wanted to turn their own challenging journeys into something meaningful—to help others feel less alone, more understood, and inspired to keep going.

While the core purpose of peer mentoring is to support individuals currently in recovery, the impact often flows both ways. Mentors frequently tell us how deeply fulfilling it is to witness someone else’s growth, and how the experience reaffirms their own strength and healing.

What is peer mentoring?

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What is peer mentoring? Peer Support Canada defines peer support in the following way: “Peer support is emotional and practical support between two people who share a common experience, such as a mental health challenge or illness. A Peer Mentor has lived through that similar experience, and is trained to support others.” 

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What does this program entail?
Our Peer Support Program facilitates mentor training, support and mentee matching. The mentorship takes place between an individual who has lived experience with eating disorder recovery (mentor) and a person who is currently working through recovery (mentee). Peer mentorship is a voluntary, supportive relationship, proven to be highly effective in recovery, as well as healing to both mentor and mentee. 

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How does peer mentoring support recovery?  As a peer mentor, you will engage in meaningful, supportive relationships with those currently working on eating disorder recovery. The primary purpose of a peer mentor is to provide hope and understanding to their mentee(s) by drawing from personal experience. Ultimately, peer mentors provide empathy and connection alongside their mentee’s journey towards recovery

Being a peer mentor gives you the chance to make a real, personal impact. One conversation, one connection, one shared story at a time.

How To Apply

PEER MENTOR PROGRAM

Step 1: Review the Peer Mentor Requirments

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Please take time to review the Peer Mentor Requirements below. It outlines the responsibilities, time commitment, and recovery requirements needed to be a Silver Linings Peer Mentor. If you have any questions, we’re here to help—don’t hesitate to reach out.

Step 2: Complete the Application Questionnaire

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  • Those interested in becoming a Peer Mentor with the Silver Linings Foundation must have:

    • Lived experience with an eating disorder and a minimum of 2 years of recovery

    • A desire to support those currently experiencing eating disorders

    • A high level of self-awareness and willingness to check in with one’s own emotions. Must maintain a strong ability to set and adhere to healthy boundaries.

  • If you are selected for the Silver Lining’s Peer Mentorship Team, you will be required to complete an online group training course (at no cost to you). This virtual training will prepare you to best support your mentees. Attendance and completion of all assignments will be mandatory in order to successfully pass the training.

  • Once the training is completed, you will be paired with a mentee. You will be invited to establish a supportive relationship with your mentee(s) while upholding appropriate boundaries and limitations as a peer mentor. You will provide support to the mentee via text, phone calls and/or video calls (based on your preference) and utilize content learned to support and encourage your mentee along their recovery journey. It will be your responsibility to immediately report any physical or mental health concerns that may arise with your mentee to the Peer Support Coordinator.

  • • Training consists of approximately 6 training hours over the course of 3 weekends, plus personal work between sessions.

    • Approximately 1-3 hours per week of mentorship to mentees (depending on how many mentees you choose to take on)


    • 1-2 hours per month of team check-in/support with program facilitator.

    • A minimum of one year commitment to the Peer Mentorship Program. This helps is to help us manage training costs.

We believe recovery eating disorder recovery is possible. We also believe lived-experience powerfully demonstrates that recovery is not only possible, but real and attainable. Our short questionnaire gives us a chance to learn more about your journey and why peer mentorship speaks to you. All answers will remain confidential and are a vital part of helping us build a compassionate and inspiring team.

Application Questionnaire