Connect with a community of support
Find a safe space to talk with people who know where you're coming from.
We're all in this together
On this page, you can find communities of support for pain management and substance use. These communities are made up for people who understand what you're going through and are ready to support you. Get connected by phone or via Zoom.
Peer support provides a trusting, safe and accepting environment for those living with pain where they can share, be understood and learn. It is a community I thoroughly enjoy being part of and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to provide support groups for people living with pain.
Virginia McIntyre
People in Pain Network
Peer Support Warm Line
Available between 4:00 pm and 12:00 am (EST), 7 days a week
*Call 911 in case of emergency
Pain Support and Wellness Groups
Pain Support and Wellness Groups | Pain BC
*Only available to British Columbia residents
Frequently Asked Questions
Peer Support is about having a supportive relationship with somebody who shares part of your lived experience. In other words, it means getting support from somebody who's been through similar things as you.
Connecting with somebody who shares your experiences can help you feel understood and encouraged. It can be a reminder that other people have been there too, and that there's hope that things will get better.
Counsellors usually have graduate-level training in counselling or psychotherapy. They usually work in more formal environments, with specific therapeutic skills and goals.
Peer Supporters can be trained in a wide range of skills. These include active listening and helping skills. They often work in less formal, more community-based settings. Peer Supporters often focus more on sharing their own lived experiences. They do this to facilitate mutually helpful conversations with others.
The services above are inclusive of people from all backgrounds. However, some are designed for specific age groups (adults or youth). Others may only be accessible from within Canada. Please visit the service provider's website to learn more.
You do not need an account to access any of these community support groups.