Peer Support is a no-cost program for anyone
working towards eating disorder recovery.

Your are not alone.

Our Peer Support Program is flexible, non judgmental and deeply empathetic.

Mentors and mentees will be matched based on personal preferences and suitability. Once matched you will both decide what support will look like—how often to connect, what format (phone, video, etc.) and what types of conversations are helpful. The peer support relationship is non-judgemental, empathetic and continues for as long as you need it. 

How is it different from therapy?
This program is intended to be additional support that compliments therapy. Mentors are not therapists; the value of this program comes from connecting with someone who has lived-experience. Speaking with someone in this capacity can be incredibly validating and can bolster the progress you’ve already made in formal treatment. Peer support is not meant to feel like another appointment, but rather flexible support when you need it most.

Who are the mentors?
Our diverse team of volunteer mentors have one thing in common and it’s that they deeply understand the highs and lows of eating disorder recovery because they have all walked that path themselves. They also understand how important empathetic support can be while you are in this chapter. All of them have received clinician supervised training and are available to help.

Important!
Peer Support is not a stand-alone treatment. Current or previous work with a treatment team is required in order to be matched with a mentor. Please review this PDF document for an in-depth explanation of what peer support can and can’t offer.

For Canadian residents ages 15 and up • For all identities • For all stages of recovery

Connect with us

We would be happy to answer any questions and guide you through registration.

Jessica Sauerwein, Peer Support Program Coordinator
jessica.sauerwein@silverliningsfoundation.ca

Your experience can Make a Difference

About This Program

In 2021, we proudly launched Alberta’s first eating disorder peer mentoring program—an initiative built on the belief that lived experience is one of the most powerful tools in healing. Since then, we’ve trained 39 incredible mentors and connected them with over 60 mentees, creating a network of hope, support, and resilience.

Why Become a Peer Mentor?

Every one of our mentors joined because they wanted to turn their own challenging journeys into something meaningful—to help others feel less alone, more understood, and inspired to keep going. While the core purpose of peer mentoring is to support individuals currently in recovery, the impact often flows both ways. Mentors frequently tell us how deeply fulfilling it is to witness someone else’s growth, and how the experience reaffirms their own strength and healing.

Being a peer mentor gives you the chance to make a real, personal impact—one conversation, one connection, one shared story at a time.

What’s Involved?

Peer mentors are trained through our virtual certification program and thoughtfully matched with mentees based on age, gender, and shared eating disorder experiences. Once certified, mentors choose how much time they can commit and how many mentees they feel comfortable supporting.

As a mentor, you’ll draw from your own lived experience of recovery to offer empathy, encouragement, and practical insight. You’ll be someone’s reminder that recovery is not only possible—it’s real, and it’s worth it.

How to Apply

Step 1: Review the Peer Mentor Guidelines
Please take time to review the Peer Mentor General Info Document linked below. It outlines the responsibilities, time commitment, and recovery requirements needed to be a Silver Linings Peer Mentor. If you have any questions, we’re here to help—don’t hesitate to reach out.

📄 Peer Mentor General Guidelines

Step 2: Complete the Application Questionnaire
We believe in full recovery—and that your story is a testament to the strength and insight that comes with it. Our short questionnaire gives us a chance to learn more about your journey and why peer mentorship speaks to you. All answers will remain confidential and are a vital part of helping us build a compassionate and inspiring team.