Advanced Peer Support Training

This two-day course builds upon the foundational skills learned in the Basic Peer Support course and is intended for first responders who have served in a peer support role for 6 to 12 months. Participants will review essential peer support concepts while advancing their knowledge and skills in crisis intervention, suicide assessment, and intervention techniques. Attendees will engage in case discussions and experiential exercises designed to strengthen their ability to navigate complex peer support situations. The course also emphasizes strategies for self-care and promoting wellness within peer support teams.

Objectives

• Demonstrate advanced peer support communication skills for effectively engaging peers experiencing significant stress, trauma exposure, or personal crises
• Apply crisis intervention and suicide assessment techniques to accurately identify risk factors, assess lethality, and implement appropriate intervention strategies.
• Analyze complex peer support cases through guided discussion and experiential exercises to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving in real-world scenarios
• Integrate self-care and resilience strategies to maintain personal well-being and prevent burnout while serving in a peer support role.
• Collaborate within a peer support team to promote wellness initiatives and strengthen a culture of psychological safety within the organization.