You are Not Alone
Grief is an isolating experience but it doesn’t have to be that way. This journey is difficult but it is not one that you should be walking alone. You can talk one on one with a trained peer mentor volunteer who has walked a similar path. During this complex time of grief you can have a peer to stand with you as you face the storm….together.
Our volunteer peer mentor sessions can be done remotely as well as in person. Your mentor will address your concerns, answer your questions, and show you that you are truly not alone.
If you are interested, apply to our program below (starting May 16, 2022) or contact Nova McGillivray, our Program Coordinator, and we will begin the process to match you with a suitable peer mentor.
Please note that our peer mentors are not to be used in replacement of formal professional support. Our peer mentors have been trained to offer peer level support only and do so on a volunteer basis.
Want a Peer mentor?
Need Help?
Please contact Nova McGillivray below:
Nova McGillivray
Peer Coordinator
Nova McGillivray was born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, she loves dogs, hiking and Starbucks. She has been a peer facilitator since 2013, is a Sistership Circle level one facilitator with Brain Story certification as well as Nonviolent Crisis Intervention trained. She came to PILSC as a helpline volunteer and then did her Canadian Mental Health Association Peer Support School practicum with PILSC which lead to becoming a PILSC facilitator and then moved into the Peer Coordinator role. She is happy to be using her knowledge and gifts to contribute and to support people.
To contact Nova, email her at nova@pilsc.org
Frequently Asked Questions
Our mentors are all trained peer volunteers who have navigated the journey through loss. They are not counselors or mental health professionals. They are bereaved parents who can relate to the journey and have the compassion and heart to support others through it.
You will be matched to a peer with similar lived experience. Once matched, you and your mentor will commit to a mentor/mentee relationship for a maximum of 3 months with biweekly mentor sessions. Sessions are typically about 1-1.5hours. Your peer mentor is there to support you and will not come with any agenda.This is your session and your mentor will walk alongside you.
We acknowledge that the connection between mentor and mentee may not always fit. Differences with others doesn’t mean either party is “bad” or at fault. If this happens the Mentor will not take it personally. Contact the Peer Mentor Coordinator for an alternate Mentor. Our goal is to connect you to a peer that resonates with you.
What is said during the mentorship session will not be shared outside of the relationship. Limits to confidentiality – if you are at risk for self harm or harm to others.
There is no cost. If you are financially able and feel the program is a benefit to you, we always welcome donations though this is not an obligation or expectation. The support you receive will not be impacted whether you donate or not.
All sessions take place either remote or in-person.
this program is partially funded by TELUS
We are dedicated to supporting individuals of all faiths, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional territories of the Blackfoot Confederacy (Siksika, Kainai, Piikani), the Tsuut’ina, the Îyâxe Nakoda Nations, the Métis Nation (Region 3), and all people who make their homes in the Treaty 7 region of Southern Alberta.