Peer Framework – For Health-Focused Peer Positions in the Downtown Eastside

The document outlines a framework for health-focused peer positions in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES). Its purpose of the work is to improve the health and well-being of residents by reshaping Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) services. It emphasizes the vital role of peer-run organizations in shaping improved, person-centered services. The framework acknowledges the value of peers’ expertise and involvement, promoting a recovery-oriented approach that empowers individuals and creates job opportunities for those with lived experience. It also focuses on gender and cultural safety, flexibility, and support for peers, along with grassroots peer organizing. The guidelines are established for defining peer roles, hiring, remuneration, and supervision, as well as various levels of involvement based on lived experience and health promotion. The framework also highlights the importance of clear roles, non-peer staff training, and inclusive hiring. Ultimately, the framework is a foundation for integrating peer positions into VCH programs that aims to enhance client engagement and wellness of the population that VCH serves.

Key findings related to emerging/promising principles for engaging PWLLE:

1. Learning from peer expertise – peers could support to inform organizations and systems, their contribution goes beyond serving clients and extends to improving the entire system.
2. Peers are able to promote wellness and are able to provide hope that recovery is possible
3. Grassroot organizations play a significant role in building individual and community capacity.

Key findings related to emerging/promising practices for engaging PWLLE:

1. Peer involvement and leadership – highlights preparing peers for leadership positions and need to lead the system towards providing better, more respectful, and person-centred services.
2. Employment opportunities – recognizing the expertise and value that person with lived experience brings, the framework identifies opportunities for employment for people with lived experience.
3. Define roles for all positions including peer positions to avoid confusion or overlap in responsibilities.
4. Staff should receive relevant training and support before or as a part of peer placement/employment. Additionally peers should have access to peer supervision, and support for addressing workplace and personal concerns.
5. Peers as integral part of teams – invite to all team meetings and events as much as possible, sit with team, having explicit roles etc.

Key Findings Related to Implementation Approaches:

• 5 levels of peer work descriptions, their role, training, qualifications, renumeration, supervision, and outcomes are mentioned between page 7 to 11.