VTN’s National Peer Support Team
Veterans Helping Veterans Across Canada
VTN Program Graduates assemble as national team to help other veterans
From Survive to Thrive
After graduating from VTN’s Veterans Transition Program or Transition Skills Course, many of our veterans are inspired to stay engaged and help future VTN program participants in their transition from military to civilian life. As part of VTN’s Peer Support Team, they complete training in peer support and encourage other veterans in our programs with their experience and knowledge specific to the veteran community.
We have 46 trained VTN Peer Supporters from coast-to-coast!
Specialized training
VTN Peers take specialized training supported by the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families (formerly known as the Centre of Excellence on PTSD) in Ottawa. This invaluable training that is trauma and attachment focussed helps paras connect with veterans.
Advocate
VTN Peers engage in roundtable discussions with community leaders, stakeholders, and present VTN’s mission to other veteran organizations and community businesses.
Support
VTN Peers join VTN programs to support participants still struggling in their journey from military to civilian life, and share their own experiences to encourage conversation and camaraderie.
VTN Peer Support Navigator
VTN Peers provide one-on-one support for VTN program participants looking for assistance in identifying needs, locating resources and developing an action plan to help successfully transition out of service.
“This was my opportunity to give back and help others that needed it.”
Launched by Sgt (Ret’d) Doug Allen, CD, SEP, MSW
Sgt (Ret’d) Doug Allen played a key role in envisioning and launching the National Peer Support Team (NPST). With over 20 years of military service and a Master’s degree in Social Work, Doug brought valuable expertise and personal insight as a veteran, a program graduate, a peer supporter and a clinician.
As a key figure in establishing the NPST, Doug spearheaded recruitment, training, and the initial development of our formalized peer support network across Canada. Doug’s efforts laid a strong foundation for NPST’s growth and evolution.
Building upon the groundwork set by Doug, NPST is now poised for further expansion and development. Thank you, Doug, for charting the course and all your contributions to the NPST.
In Their Words: VTN Peer Supporters
How Do I Become a Peer Supporter?
If you are a graduate of a VTN program, and want to help other veterans, we want to hear from you! VTN has a formal registration process, in line with the requirements of our clinicians, to start things off. There will be an intake interview to discuss what is involved with the specialized training, answer your questions and determine if it’s right for you.
After completing VTN’s specialized training, VTN Peers use the new skills learned to support fellow veterans at VTN program retreats and provide greater peer support in communities.
If you have graduated from one of our programs and want to find out more about becoming a VTN Peer Supporter, please fill out the information requested below. It’s confidential and once you’ve entered the required information, our Peer Support Team will be in touch.
Peer Supporter Program
Thank you for your interest in the Peer Supporter Program. To begin, express your interest below - you'll then be asked to complete a short intake form.
Before you continue
Peer Supporter Program Intake Form
Please complete the intake form below. Some questions will appear based on your earlier answers.
* Indicates a required question.
Thank you
Your intake form has been submitted. The Peer Supporter Program team will be in touch.
