PeerNet Association of British Columbia

The PeerNet Association of British Columbia, commonly known as PeerNetBC, is a non-profit, registered charitable organization based in British Columbia, Canada. The organization was formerly known as the Self-Help Resource Association (SHRA) and is dedicated to providing training, resources, and support to peer-led initiatives and peer support groups across the province.

Mission and Values

PeerNetBC fosters inclusive community development by bringing together individuals with shared experiences to facilitate mutual learning. Their mission emphasizes the importance of peer support, which values equal status and shared responsibility among participants. The organization operates on the principles of building connections through shared stories and community engagement.

Activities

PeerNetBC offers a variety of services to enhance peer support within communities. Key activities include:

• Peer-Led Learning: The organization conducts workshops, both standard and custom, to unite diverse communities with shared experiences.
• Community Engagement: PeerNetBC collaborates with non-profit organizations and government agencies to strengthen community ties and enhance peer support initiatives.
• Support Services: They provide consultation, training for group facilitators, and assistance in organizing new peer support groups. Additionally, PeerNetBC emphasizes the importance of inclusion and diversity, particularly through their youth initiative, Kinex, which focuses on empowering youth voices and engagement in decision-making processes.

Operational Context

The organization operates across what is now known as British Columbia, acknowledging the region as the traditional, unceded, and stolen lands of various Indigenous communities, including the Coast Salish nations. PeerNetBC recognizes its role as an unwelcome guest on these lands and strives to be respectful of the histories and ongoing impacts affecting Indigenous peoples.

Funding and Registration

PeerNetBC is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) under Business Number 140591629RR0001, confirming its status as a registered charity eligible for donations. The organization relies on key funders and community partnerships to support its initiatives.