The primary purpose of the Peer Support Network (PSN) is to offer confidential personal support to MSF field volunteers who may benefit from talking to someone who can relate to their professional and field related experiences.

The emphasis of the PSN is on awareness of field realities before departure and facilitating a smooth re-entry by reducing stress, through support.

The PSN operates independently from MSF Canada.

The Network is composed exclusively of returned volunteers who have shared similar field experiences.

PSN volunteers are dedicated to supporting you and trained to offer personal support.

The PSN offers support on a number of levels whether this is your first or seventh mission. No two experiences are the same.

PRIOR TO DEPARTURE

Connecting with a PSN volunteer before you leave can assist in alleviating any concerns or last minute questions you may have.

UPON RETURN TO CANADA

For some volunteers, the return home from a humanitarian mission is easy. For others, the return can be difficult. There may be overwhelming thoughts and memories from the field.

After your debriefing with MSF Canada, a volunteer from the Peer Support Network will contact you. This is a confidential contact and is not reported to any level of the MSF Canada Organization.

At the initial contact, you will be given the names of therapists in your area should you wish to seek professional assistance. Therapeutic care through professional counselling is at no cost to you.

• The effect that reverse culture shock has on you can be unexpected. A PSN volunteer can offer guidance through this process;
• The behaviours associated with accumulated stress can also be unexpected. Check this out with a PSN volunteer;
• Talking to another experienced field volunteer can help you to regain perspective and validate your feelings
• The contrast in priorities between Canada and the field may be unsettling

Upcoming Recruitment Info Sessions

Online Webinar
Date: February 16, 2012 at 1:00pm (Eastern Time)
Location: On Line
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Quebec, QC
Date: February 29, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Studio P
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Sherbrooke, QC
Date: March 8th, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Cegep de Sherbrooke
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Toronto, ON
Date: March 14th, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Friend's House
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Montreal, QC
Date: March 21st, 2012 at 7:00pm
Location: Y des Femmes de Montreal
Space is limited. Please register in advance.

Medical Staff Needed For Global Emergencies

Jean Stowell talks about her work as a midwife for MSF

MSF project coordinator Oonagh Curry in Sudan

More

RSS – MSF feed containing news releases, website updates, vacancies, and events

MSF PODCASTS – Podcasts from MSF missions around the world

FIELD BLOGS – Personal stories of our volunteers working in the field

BULLETIN BOARD – Discussion fora, job postings, and events

MSF ASSOCIATION – Intranet for MSF Association members