For individuals

Our Peer Support program facilitates powerful connections between people who are new to spinal cord injury and those who have lived with one for some time and want to share what they know.

People who have lived experience are the best source of information about day-to-day living and can also talk about the emotions associated with sustaining an SCI. 

Hear stories, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of living with a spinal cord injury.

Peer Mentorship for People with SCI

Peer Support’s team of volunteer mentors and SCIO staff understand the realities that come with an injury. They are ready to help you face your challenges and rediscover the joys of your life. Connect with a community of individuals who share similar experiences. 

“I am now several years post injury. What slowly and gradually turned my life around was reaching out to my peers and being active in the SCI community. When I realized that I could still give and serve, I regained my purpose and meaning in life. Among the many advisory boards and projects that I am involved with right now, my greatest fulfillment comes from being a peer support volunteer at SCIO. I surely hope that my story and resilience will inspire many to never give up and to fight courageously in their own battle.”
Chris Channon, SCIO Volunteer

Looking for support?

Our services are free to registered clients of SCIO. 

Complete this online form or connect with our Provincial Intake Coordinator to get started.

Please contact:
[email protected]
1-877-422-1112
or complete this online form

Peer Connections Workshops

Peer-to-peer experiences and understanding is a vital part of our monthly Peer Connections workshops across the province. We gather in person or online informally, often with an expert speaker and share insights and solutions to issues related to living with a spinal cord injury. It’s fun and fundamentally helpful!

Everyone is welcome to attend each workshop – just let us know to expect you by registering. Our topics and locations vary and are driven by the specific needs of people living with spinal cord injury. Some of the topics we cover include:

  • Bowel & Bladder Care
  • Travel
  • Adaptive Sports
  • Vehicle Modification
  • Aging with an SCI
  • Sexual Health

We’d love to see you at the next Peer Connections Workshop. Check out our upcoming dates and topics and register to attend.

“SCIO Is a very special organization. 17 years ago I was introduced to my peer mentor, Adrian, through the Peer Program. It’s such a trying time in your life when you find yourself with a spinal cord injury. The future is truly unknown. Being able to see someone who has been at it for a while and has been very successful was extremely reassuring. As a Peer Support volunteer myself now, I’ve had a lot of first-hand knowledge of what this organization does. Their reach goes far beyond the hospital and into the community. Adrian‘s persistent attempt to get me to the tennis court is what made me the person I am today. Without SCIO that wouldn’t have been possible.”
Gary Luker, SCIO Client, Volunteer & Tennis Canada Team Athlete

Donors, volunteers and community members meet up for a common goal; to ensure people with disabilities live the life they choose. Check out the upcoming workshops below and join us!

Thursday, November 21, 2024
Tuesday, November 26, 2024

SCIO Peer Support program for our Ottawa and Kingston area is supported by our valued sponsor:

Bergeron Clifford Personal Injury Lawyers

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