Peer Support Program
The HeadNorth Peer Support Program is designed to provide one-on-one personal support to Peer Support Program is to assist the SCI survivor to successfully navigate the numerous transitions that include recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration back to a healthy and fulfilling life. The trained mentor, whose personal life experiences as a SCI survivor along with a comprehensive resource, is the key to the program’s success. The program focuses on to answering the “what’s next?’ question and helps to structure and achieve the immediate and long term needs.
Studies suggest that one of the most important components of the mentoring relationship is empathetic acceptance. This can be best attained with an individual who has experienced a similar life changing event. In an attempt to provide the best peer experience, the program will try to ensure that the mentor and mentee are similar in age, gender and injury level.
HeadNorth Mentors will focus and provide information on 3 main life transitional stages:
In Patient Survival
Immediately following a SCI, HeadNorth provides a Mentor that can assist in the numerous questions that must be answered in a timely manner during very emotional and uncertain times for both the individual and their families. The HeadNorth Mentor along with the professional healthcare staff will assist with a successful recovery process and rehabilitation.
Out Patient Survival
Following inpatient rehabilitation, the SCI survivor will experience a very dramatic transition as they move from 24 hours care to a home-based environment. During this transition and the months to follow a SCI survivor and their family will need to adjust to the many known and unknown needs and events that will arise. The HeadNorth Mentor is an essential part of ensuring a smooth transition and a valuable resource for the concerns and questions that will arise as the SCI survivor is regaining their independence.
Thrive Survival
The goal of every SCI survivor is to return an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Although challenging, the objective is to try and meet the long-term goals which may include total independence, returning to the workforce, enjoying numerous recreational activities, having a family etc. The HeadNorth Mentor’s role is to expose and educate the mentee on the ‘possibilities’ and assist them in achieving their personal life goals.
»Become a Mentee
HeadNorth wants to provide support during the most crucial transitions that occur from hospital, to home, to the community. Please contact us, for more information.
»Become a Mentor
HeadNorth values and recognizes that the success of this program is dependent on our exceptional SCI Mentors. These are SCI survivors who have chosen to give back to the community by helping other SCI survivor successfully meet their individual goals.
As a Mentor, you will help answer the, “What’s next?” questions by utilizing a comprehensive resource manual and your own personal experiences and successes.
Approximately 11,000 spinal cord injuries occur nationally each year, 82 % are male, 56% of the injuries occur between the age of 16 and 31. These young, newly injured men and women need your experience and example to succeed. ( http://www.sci-info-pages.com/facts.html )
Apply now, to volunteer as a HeadNorth Mentor!
