Summary
Description
Parkinson Canada Volunteer Opportunity
Peer Support Mentor
Parkinson’s is a complex brain disease, and everyone’s Parkinson’s journey is different. More than 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson’s and 30 more are diagnosed every day. There is currently no cure but, life with Parkinson’s is still possible.
At Parkinson Canada, people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything we do. Parkinson Canada is at an exciting time of transformation, where we are aiming to be the “go to” connector and guide for people living with Parkinson’s. We strive to inspire and empower people living with Parkinson’s to thrive through tailored programs, innovative research and raising the voice of Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s through our advocacy efforts.
If you want to make a positive impact on the lives of Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s, work with passionate, dedicated people where diversity and inclusion is celebrated and partner with great organizations that have the same goal then we look forward to meeting you!
The Opportunity
This program matches individuals with trained mentors to provide one on one support based on their lived experience with Parkinson’s, either as a person living with Parkinson’s disease, or as a care partner. This connection provides a safe place to brainstorm, share ideas and connect with someone who has similar experiences.
Parkinson Canada provides role specific training once applicants are screened.
You MUST have lived experience as a person living with Parkinson’s Disease or as a Care partner.
Your Contribution
As a peer mentor you will connect with your match regularly over a 6-month period. The type and time of connection are determined by the mentor and match. The method of connections may be ZOOM meetings, phone calls or emails. This role is based on lived experience, anything beyond lived experience will be supported by Parkinson Canada Staff.
What is Needed to Succeed in this Role
- Lived experience as a care partner or person living with PD
- Open to discussing your experiences with Parkinson's
- Compassion and a non-judgmental approach to supporting people
- Strong communication skills including active listening
- Commitment to model inclusion and respect for diversity
- Love of learning
- Enthusiasm to work closely with Parkinson Canada staff
- Be in a place in your own journey where you feel comfortable sharing with others
Benefits for Peer Support Mentor
As a Peer Mentor, you will share your lived experience with Parkinson's. Connecting with others is fulfilling not only for the match but also for you as the mentor. By sharing your experiences, you will be empowering others and giving back to the Parkinson's community.
Commitment
As a mentor you will be matched for a 6-month period, during this time you will connect regularly with your match. The number of matches is up to the mentor to determine as they may take on more than one match at a time. The time commitment for this program is at least one year
How to Apply
Interested candidates should complete a Volunteer Profile, available at:
http://pcpeersupportmentor.parkinsoncanada.volunteerhub.com/
Resumes are strongly encouraged.
Parkinson Canada is committed to inclusion, fairness, respect, human dignity, and equity. We provide accessible employment and volunteer engagement practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Applications from persons with disabilities are welcomed and encouraged. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. For questions or accommodation requests, please contact the Volunteer Engagement Manager, Graham Marshall-Coultas at 1-800-565-3000, ext. 3319 or graham.marshall-coultas@parkinson.ca.
Please note that the selected candidate will be required to pass a standard Criminal Record Check.
Parkinson Canada
316 – 4211 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
M2P 2A9
416-227-9700 – 1-800-565-3000
