At Durham Alliance Outreach (DAO), peer support is rooted in a simple idea: lived experience can help people feel heard, understood and less alone. Our work continues to develop beyond the original Peer-to-Peer Support Network described when this article was first published.
DAO is developing a more structured approach to peer support for members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This work focuses not only on connection, but also on preparing peer supporters with practical skills, clear boundaries and an understanding of when additional or professional support is needed.
Our peer-support training framework includes areas such as active listening and communication, boundaries and professional conduct, confidentiality and ethics, trauma-informed support, crisis recognition and response, safety planning and escalation, referral and resource navigation, self-advocacy, group facilitation, inclusive and safer spaces, and community engagement.
Peer support is different from clinical care. It is built around connection, mutual understanding and the knowledge that can come from lived experience. Peer supporters are not expected to replace counsellors, crisis professionals or other specialized services. Instead, they can help create supportive conversations, encourage self-advocacy, share appropriate resources and help people navigate toward additional support when needed.
As DAO strengthens this work, our goal is to create a program that is welcoming while also giving volunteers and participants clear expectations. Training and program development emphasize emotional safety, confidentiality, ethical decision-making, healthy boundaries and appropriate escalation.
This structure helps protect both the person seeking support and the peer supporter providing it.
Peer connection can happen in different ways. DAO’s broader community programming creates opportunities for people to connect through supportive conversations, group settings, community activities and other programs designed around belonging and inclusion.
In 2025, DAO welcomed 133 peer-support guests, part of a year in which our programs continued building connections across Durham Region.
View DAO’s 2025 impact statement.
Our peer-support work continues to evolve as we build training, resources and programming that respond to community needs. If you are interested in participating, volunteering, partnering with DAO or learning more about available supports, we encourage you to connect with us for the most current information.
Learn more about Durham Alliance Outreach and our programs on our About Us page, or contact us at info@durhamallianceoutreach.org.
Peer support is one part of DAO’s commitment to creating stronger, more connected and more inclusive communities. By combining lived experience with thoughtful training, clear boundaries and community resources, we are working toward support that is compassionate, practical and sustainable.
Note: This article has been updated from the original Peer-to-Peer Support Network announcement to reflect the continued development of DAO’s peer-support programming.
