As Mental Health Awareness Month shines a spotlight on emotional well-being, Peer Connections Manitoba (PCM) continues to lead the way in providing innovative, peer-led mental health support to Manitobans. Founded on the principle that lived experience can be a powerful tool for recovery, PCM offers a range of free programs that support individuals and families navigating mental health and substance use challenges.
PCM’s offerings include one-on-one peer support, family peer support, workshops, and the popular Drop-In Peer Support (DIPS) DELETE program, which welcomes individuals every Monday afternoon—no appointment required. All services are delivered by trained peer supporters who have first-hand experience with mental health challenges and recovery, creating a safe and understanding environment for all participants.
With one in five Canadians experiencing a mental health challenge each year, and more than half reporting that they don’t receive the help they need, peer support has become a critical part of the mental health landscape. PCM’s work has been described as “life-changing” by those who rely on it, offering not just guidance but the deeply human experience of being truly heard and understood.
To sustain and grow its programming, PCM relies on community support and fundraising initiatives, such as Bridging the Community with Peer Support. This annual $200,000 campaign is aimed at building community peer support to reduce wait times for individual peer support.
Partnerships such as the one between PCM and Johnston Group Inc. demonstrate the incredible impact businesses can have on mental health support in our communities. The Winnipeg-based leader in employee benefits and community engagement has amplified PCM’s efforts by matching donations during key fundraising events, such as Giving Tuesday. The example set by Johnston Group shows the potential of what can happen when companies step up with compassion and commitment. We invite others to join us — together, we can build stronger, more resilient support systems across the province.
As mental health becomes a greater priority in both the workplace and community, organizations such as Peer Connections Manitoba offer a proven model for meaningful, peer-driven support. Its collaborative approach and strong community partnerships are making a lasting difference—one conversation at a time.
Learn more or donate at peerconnectionsmb.ca
