‘Peer Connections offers a welcoming, judgment-free environment where people can connect, learn, and support one another. Services are delivered by trained peer support staff; volunteers are not part of the centre’s operations’

Dear Editor,

We are writing in response to a letter published Feb. 5 regarding Peer Connections, which is part of the main downtown location of the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), North Bay and District.

We want to reassure the community that the safety, dignity, and well-being of people who access our services, as well as our staff and visitors, is our highest priority.

We would also like to clarify several points raised in the letter.

This location serves as the organization’s main reception, meeting spaces for people who access our support services, and is home to our peer services centre, known as Peer Connections.

Peer Connections offers a welcoming, judgment-free environment where people can connect, learn, and support one another. Services are delivered by trained peer support staff; volunteers are not part of the centre’s operations.

This location complies with applicable building codes and accessibility standards. There is a direct entrance to Peer Connections from 333 Fraser Street. For individuals with mobility needs, entry is through the main reception at 194 Main St. West, which provides barrier-free access to the space.

Our organization is funded primarily by Ontario Health and the Ministry of Health. We have not recently received $20 million in additional funding, as suggested in the letter.

Peer Connections is member-based, and this space is subject to occupancy limits. We do collect and report service data to our funders and provincial systems, including the number of members served, groups delivered, and attendance metrics.

The snack machine referred to is owned and serviced by a private company. Beverages are available from a second vending machine that belongs to the centre, with proceeds reinvested directly into programming.

We would also like to clarify that CMHA North Bay and District does not provide outreach services and does not operate an outreach van.

We take concerns seriously and encourage anyone who is dissatisfied with their experience to speak with a member of our staff, submit a concern through the contact form on our website, or call us at 705-476-4088.

CMHA North Bay and District is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive space for all who access our services.

Sincerely,

Jeff Beaudoin

Board Chair

Canadian Mental Health Association, North Bay and District