Christine Calvert is a Peer Crisis Support Worker at GBHS, Owen Sound. This new position at the hospital was created to make a peer available to support adults presenting at the emergency department in crisis who may need some extra emotional support while waiting. The program she works for is the Consumer/Survivor Development Program at the Canadian Mental Health Association Grey Bruce Mental Health and Addiction Services. In her role as a Peer Crisis Support Worker, Christine couples her experience working in the mental health system with her personal recovery success as a powerful way to help others.
Some of the things Christine can be of assistance with include providing emotional support and guidance while waiting in the Emergency department, one to one supportive counselling, linking with community peer support workers and the WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) program, life skills education, goal setting, helping peers understand the ins and outs of navigating the mental health system, teaching self-advocacy and self-determination, and education about available resources and supports.
Staff at the hospital know how to reach her, or peers at the emergency department can contact her directly throughout the week in the daytime at 519. 376. 2121 ext 2508.
