The Peer Support program is designed to provide one-on-one personal mentoring to help the SCI survivor successfully navigate the numerous transitions that include recovery, rehabilitation and reintegration back to a healthy and fulfilling life. Peer Support is incorporated in both the Recover and Thrive programs. The trained mentor, who shares personal life experiences as a SCI survivor, is the key to the program’s success.
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 maximizes its effectiveness by matching together, as much as possible, individuals of similar age, gender and injury level.
HeadNorth mentors focus and provide information on three main life transitional phases:
Inpatient Phase
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, working along side professional healthcare staff, assists with a successful recovery and rehabilitation process.
Outpatient Phase
Following inpatient rehabilitation, the SCI survivor will experience a very dramatic transition as they move from 24 hour 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 is a valuable resource for the concerns and questions that will arise as the SCI survivor regains independence.
Thrive Phase
The goal of every SCI survivor is to return to an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Although challenging, the objective is to 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 in achieving personal life goals.