Position Title: Peer Support Volunteer – Badge of Life Canada

Position Type: Volunteer

Commitment: Minimum one virtual peer support meeting per month (approx. 2.5 hours)

Training Provided: Peer Support training through the Mood Disorders Society of Canada, along with ongoing development.

About Badge of Life Canada

Badge of Life Canada (BOLC) empowers Canadian Public Safety Personnel (PSP) and their families who are dealing with operational stress injuries, including post-traumatic stress and suicidal ideation, to achieve healthy living and post-traumatic growth. Our programs are built on hope, growth, and recovery, fostering safe and confidential spaces for healing, connection, and community.

Role Purpose

Peer Support Volunteers play a vital role in creating a supportive community for PSP and their families. They provide confidential, non-clinical support grounded in lived experience, empathy, and mutual respect. This role is not a replacement for professional care, rather compliments clinical and medical support by offering compassion, shared understanding, and hope.

Key Responsibilities

• Attend at least one virtual peer support meeting per (approx. 2.5 hours)
• Provide confidential, compassionate peer support to PSP, veterans, and family members, drawing on lived experience while maintaining clear boundaries.
• Participate fully in training, mentorship, and ongoing professional development.
• Respect and uphold BOLC’s Code of Conduct, ensuring confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical behaviour.
• Model and promote self-care practices to sustain personal wellness and peer support effectiveness.
• Support awareness of BOLC’s Peer Support Program in the community when appropriate.
• Maintain open communication with Peer Support Leads and the Executive Director regarding training, feedback, and program activities.

Qualifications & Competencies

• Veteran of military service OR family member of a Veteran/PSP with lived experience of operational stress, trauma, or navigating recovery.
• Willingness to share lived experience in a way that is respectful, supportive, and peer focused.
• Completion of required Peer Support Training (provided by BOLC).
• Ability to demonstrate and uphold BOLC’s core values: mutuality, dignity, self- determination, integrity, trust, inclusion, lifelong learning, hope, growth, and recovery.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental support.
• Commitment to confidentiality, accountability, and professionalism.
• Flexibility and adaptability in responding to diverse needs of peers.

Time Commitment

• Attend at least one scheduled peer support meeting per month (approx. 2.5 hours).
• Additional time may be requested for training, shadowing, debriefing sessions, or special events.

Training & Support

• All volunteers will complete peer support training through the Mood Disorders Society of Canada.
• Ongoing mentorship, feedback, and opportunities for skill development will be provided throughout the volunteer journey.
• Volunteers will complete a six-month probationary period to ensure alignment with BOLC’s mission, values, and standards.

Why Volunteer with BOLC?

As a Peer Support Volunteer, you will:

• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who serve and their families.
• Contribute to breaking stigma around mental health and operational stress injuries.
• Grow personally and professionally through ongoing learning and connection.
• Be part of a community rooted in compassion, hope, and resilience.