What is Peer Support?

Peer Support is a supportive relationship between people who share a common lived experience.

Peer Mentors complete Peer Support training and draw upon their own lived experiences to support others. They provide practical, non-judgmental encouragement and support.

How does Peer Support benefit people with eating disorders?

Peer Support is guided by you based on what you need.

Eating disorders thrive in secrecy and shame. Talking to someone who’s been through a similar experience can help you to feel less alone and like it’s okay to share what’s going on for you. Seeing someone else who’s been through an eating disorder can give you hope that you can also get through this.

Peer Mentors are there to support you in a non-judgmental and encouraging way.

Peer Support programs are available free to anyone 14+ living in Canada. All programs are virtual, so you can access them from anywhere. There is NO LIMIT to how many programs you can participate in. A diagnosis or referral is not needed.

Eating Disorders Nova Scotia recognizes the presence of racism, homophobia, religious discrimination, ableism, ageism, and weight stigma in our society and local communities. We are actively working as allies to listen and understand.

Our goal is safety, equity, diversity, and inclusion for people of all genders, races, religions, ages, abilities, and body types who wish to access our programs.  

Drop‑in Adult Peer Support Group

A virtual drop-in peer support group open to anyone in Canada who is 18 years or older.

Thursdays
3:00 pm – 4:15 pm PT | 5:00 pm – 6:15 pm CT | 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm ET | 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm AT | 7:30 pm – 8:45 pm NT

The drop-in group is a space for people to come together and have conversations related to their experiences with eating disorders. Weekly topics are discussed and chosen collectively by group participants. Topics often include self-compassion, diet culture, coping strategies, the eating disorder voice, and the successes and challenges of recovery. Participation in the conversation is encouraged, but not mandatory. This group is facilitated by two Peer Mentors who have completed our specialized training.

Participation is accepted on a first come, first serve basis with a maximum of 10 people per group. If the group is full, you will be notified by a chat message while in the Zoom waiting room.

To join the group, please click register below. You will be emailed a welcome package which contains information about group guidelines and includes the Zoom link you can use to join the group any week.

Drop‑in Youth Peer Support Group

A virtual drop-in peer support group open to anyone in Canada between the ages of 18 and 25.

Wednesdays
4:00 pm – 5:15 pm PT | 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm CT | 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm ET | 8:00 pm – 9:15 pm AT | 8:30 pm – 9:45 pm NT

The Drop-in Group is a safe space for young people to come together and have conversations related to their experiences with eating disorders. With no set agenda, as a group we choose together what topics to explore/discuss. Topics often include navigating relationships, career and academic pressures, living independently, and body image concerns. Participation in the conversation is encouraged, but not mandatory. This group is facilitated by two 2 Peer Mentors who have completed our specialized training.

To join the group, please register below . You will be emailed a welcome package that contains information about group guidelines and includes the Zoom link you can use to join the group any week.

Participation is accepted on a first come, first serve basis with a maximum of 10 people per group. If the group is full, you will be notified by a chat message while in the Zoom waiting room.

6‑week Youth Peer Support Group for ages 14 -17

Tuesdays
4:00 pm – 5:15 pm PT | 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm CT | 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm ET | 8:00 pm – 9:15 pm AT | 8:30 pm – 9:45 pm NT

In this Peer Support Group, we will talk about ways to deal with social pressures, diet culture, the media, our relationship with our body, food, eating, and exercise, and more. The same people come each week, so participants and facilitators have the chance to get to know each other. Participation is encouraged, but not mandatory. This group is facilitated by two Peer Mentors who have completed our specialized training.

To join the group, please register below, complete and submit the form. You will then receive an email from staff with more information about how to join.

4‑week Peer Support Group Two‑Spirit, Trans and Non‑binary Peer Support Group for those 18+

Wednesdays
4:00 pm – 5:30 pm PT | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm CT | 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm ET | 8:00 pm – 9:30 pm AT | 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm NT

This group is for Two-spirit, Trans and Non-binary people struggling with concerns related to food, body image, and/or gender dysphoria. Discussions include strategies for self-compassion, unlearning gender binaries, self-care, and other concerns through a specifically trans lens. This group has 2 Peer Mentor facilitators who identify as Trans and Non‑binary.

To join the group, please register below, complete and submit the form. You will then receive an email from staff with more information about how to join.

1:1 Peer Mentorship

This program offers the opportunity for participants to develop an individual relationship with someone who they share a similar lived experience with. Participants are matched with a trained peer supporter based on compatibility and experiences, and together the pair decide when and how to meet. Most people choose to connect over video or phone call, but meeting in person is also an option.

Our peer mentors encourage self-care, self-compassion and help build hope for recovery.

To join the group, please register below, and book an introductory call. This is a time for you to share a little bit about who you are, what your experience has been and why you are interested in being matched with a peer supporter. This is also a chance for us to tell you more about the program and answer any questions you might have.