All About Work by Susan L.

  Work had its staff retreat yesterday. It was a combination work/socializing opportunity. We spent most of the morning working on job descriptions then shared what we had written. It was a great way to learn what others did. The Krasman Centre has a large umbrella with various positions outside of the centre itself and people working in the role of peer support worker.
  There is a Peer Navigator at the Newmarket hospital whose role is to connect with people who come to the ER with mental health challenges. They can act as an advocate if requested. It's a big role that involves working with hospital staff and families. They also visit in-patients and do follow up with people once they leave the hospital. It's an important role as well. I know from first hand experience what it is to be discharged and forgotten. Studies have shown that Peer Navigators save money for the health care system but more importantly, they save lives. Most suicides take place two weeks after discharge. Simply having someone call to see how you are doing is a blessing.
  Another external role is the WRAP Hub Co-ordinator. Their job is to organize WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) and FWRAP (WRAP for families) locations and fill them with participants throughout the greater Toronto area. Which goes as far north as us. They have a number of facilitators to draw from depending on the location of the group.
  There's a family support worker in Richmond Hill. It is for family members who are impacted by a loved one's challenges. There is a peer group for them as well as the opportunity for personal support. This staff also works the drop-in.
 When I hear all what the organization I work for does in the community, it makes me glad I am a small part of it.
  Our Executive Director shared her role as did others who are more involved with the administrative end of the business. As for drop-in workers, our role covers everything from housekeeping and maintenance to running groups to making sure the centre is a safe and respectful environment. My speciality is facilitating creative workshops.
  It's wonderful working in a place that is a strength based and growth encouraging environment.
  "But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the thins which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you." Acts 26:16