Youth Connections

Youth Connections is a program aimed at cultivating healthy bonds with self, peer’s community and supporting the city of Nanaimo’s initiatives and preventative agendas to reduce gang and gun violence among youth aged 12-25.

Through the Peer Mentor Certification Program, mentees will learn valuable skills such as trauma informed care, substance abuse harm reduction, and personal resilience.

Peer Mentors play an integral role by facilitating empowering experiences, promoting personal development, and strengthening connections to the community.

Why join this program?

• Receive hands on training for valuable skills that are transferable to any workplace.
• Build social connections with like-minded youth in a safe and supportive community.
• Earn a Certificate of Completion of Provincial Peer Support Worker Training.

Eligibility:

• Age 19-25 years
• Demonstrated Interest in facilitating groups, mentoring youth, mental & physical education
• Able to commit to the full 8-week program

Delivery:

• In-person and online
  • 7 hours per week of in-person activities held in the evenings
  • 3-5 hours per week of online self-paced learning

Outcome:

• Earn a Certificate of Completion of Provincial Peer Support Worker Training Curriculum
• Receive $100 compensation after successful completion of the program
• Strengthen eligibility for potential future employment opportunities

Other Benefits:

• Free BC Transit DayPASS on days of in-person activities
• Free Active Pass with unlimited access to Nanaimo Parks, Recreation and Culture drop-in sessions for swimming, skating, gymnasium sports, weight rooms and more!
• Free food and snacks on days of in-person activities

Program Dates:

• Start Date: February 5 (Mon), 2024
• End Date: March 27 (Wed), 2024

Program Length: 8-Weeks
Program Cost: Free
Deadline to Apply: January 26 (Fri), 2024 January 31 (Wed), 2024
Program Start: February 5 (Mon), 2024

How to Apply:
Download and fill out the Client Registration Form
Email the completed Client Registration Form to emizushima@cvims.org
You will receive a confirmation email with further instructions within 1-2 business days.