Epilepsy Connect Ottawa
Epilepsy Connect Ottawa
Epilepsy Connect Ottawa is a one-on-one peer mentor program for adults with epilepsy and parents whose children (young or grown) have epilepsy.
Peer mentor programs reduce social isolation and can be beneficial for all participants. Epilepsy Connect Ottawa helps those living with epilepsy establish connections in their community and build self-confidence. The program can provide guidance and accountability for those still struggling to achieve a feeling of “living well” with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
Peer mentors are screened and trained. Peer matches meet four hours weekly for six months in person, by phone, or by Skype to check in, share experiences, and set goals.
Get matched with a mentor!
Those struggling with seizures and managing the impact of living with epilepsy on their life can become connected with someone who has faced similar experiences.
You can be matched with a mentor* if you:
are 18+ years old
have epilepsy OR
have a child (young or grown) with epilepsy
can commit to four hours per month of face-to-face or voice communication with a mentor (with a minimum of one hour being in-person – for those in rural communities, Skype video calling is encouraged) for a minimum of 6 months
wish to improve your social and transferable work-type skills with guidance and accountability from a trusted peer
are interested in connecting with the epilepsy community and reestablishing connections in your greater community
*pending screening
Become a mentor!
Peer mentors are non-professionals whose experiences are similar to their peers and offer non-judgemental empathy, validation, and social and emotional support.
You can become a mentor* if you:
are 18+ years old
have epilepsy OR
have a child (young or grown) with epilepsy
will commit to two x 2-hour training sessions, one “face to face” meeting per month (or as often as the pair would like) with weekly check-ins (via facebook or email). Virtual meetings are encouraged for all participants in rural communities. Minimum 6 month commitment with the opportunity to meet your peer before fully committing.
feel you can contribute to a peer’s confidence in their own or their child’s diagnosis, provide tips for living well with epilepsy, connect them to the epilepsy community, and help them reestablish connections in the greater community.
*pending screening
Applicants can expect to receive a response with an attached application form within 5 business days. If you have submitted a request but have not received a response, please contact us at connect@epilepsyottawa.ca.