What participants have said:
FAQs about the Peer Empowerment Mentorship Program
Who is this program for?
This program is for anyone 16 and up who has grown up with the stress, silence, or stigma of a parent’s substance use, particularly those who have lived experience and:
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Want to become a peer supporter
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Are just starting to make sense of their experiences but want to dive in more
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Are deep into your healing journey and want to lead initiatives
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Or anywhere in between
Whether you've never talked about it before or have shared your story many times, this space is for you. Together, we’ll explore how these experiences show up in our lives, and how being in community with peers who get it can offer connection, safety, and a new way forward.
What Can I Expect From the Program?
Over 8 weeks, the Starlings Peer Empowerment Mentorship (PEM) Program brings together people with lived experience of a parent’s substance use to explore how stress and stigma have shaped our stories, in our own unique ways.
Through a mix of peer connection, self-paced learning, and creative expression, you'll unpack your experience and begin to rebuild your relationship with your story.
Together, we’ll:
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Talk honestly about how parental substance use impacts us
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Reflect on identity, meaning-making, and dreaming in the context of substance use stigma
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Learn how to write, draw, or share our stories through zines, poetry, comics, and more
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Share (or choose not to share) in ways that feel safe and empowering
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Connect with guest speakers and peers who get it
Whether you share your story only within the group, or use it to lead change in your family, community, or society, your voice matters here.
What You'll Gain?
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You gain connection to a peer community
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Understanding of stigma and its effects on your and families
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Confidence and tools to reflect and share your story
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Peer mentorship
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A certificate of completion at the end
Check out all peer support sessions and book one below
