Proposal for Non-Professional Friendship Peer Support Workers

 

By Kendall Worth


 

 

 

Introducing an Idea for Halifax: A New Approach to Social Isolation

In Halifax, Nova Scotia, many people living in poverty and dealing with mental health challenges are facing a form of isolation that is often overlooked. While services like food banks, shelters, and clinical supports exist, they do not replace something essential in life: friendship and meaningful social connection.

In this blog post, I am introducing a proposal for a Non-Professional Friendship Peer Support Worker Program—a program designed to provide companionship and social support outside of formal systems.

This idea builds on my recent writing, including:

It is also part of a broader vision I have been advocating for: an umbrella social prescribing organization. A full overview of that concept can be found here:

This proposal focuses on one key element of that larger vision:

  • Peer support beyond office hours

  • Non-professional peer workers available evenings and weekends

  • Partnerships with students (such as social work students at Dalhousie University)

  • Support available when traditional services are closed

For many people living on income assistance in Nova Scotia, opportunities for affordable social connection are extremely limited. Many individuals:

In many cases, the only consistent human contact comes from professionals—doctors, psychiatrists, social workers—who, due to ethical boundaries, cannot fill the role of a friend.

 

 

Background: Where This Idea Comes From

This proposal comes from years of lived experience and advocacy.

To learn more about my background and work, see:

From 2013 to 2021, through my work with the Nova Scotia Advocate and Halifax Media Co-op, I reported on issues related to poverty and mental health. Over time, I came to understand something important:

Increasing income alone is not enough.

People also need social connection, belonging, and community support.

Many individuals I advocate for are living on approximately $1022 per month or less:

At the same time, they are often offered very limited mental health support. Forming friendships can be extremely difficult under these conditions.

This reality is reflected in past reporting:

Through this work, I also became aware of social prescribing, an approach used in other regions:

Within that broader model, the idea of a Non-Professional Friendship Peer Support Worker emerged.

This is not about replacing professional care. It is about addressing a gap:
the absence of real, everyday friendship in people’s lives.

 

 

Why This Program Is Needed

Many people living in poverty in Halifax experience:

  • Chronic loneliness

  • Social anxiety

  • Barriers to forming relationships

More context can be found here:

In many cases, individuals have become socially withdrawn not by choice, but because of their circumstances.

Community initiatives do exist, such as:

These programs are valuable—but they often focus on group settings.

What is missing is one-on-one connection.

 

Formal Proposal

1. Executive Summary

The Non-Professional Friendship Peer Support Worker Program would connect individuals experiencing social isolation with trained volunteers who provide companionship and emotional support.

This could include:

  • Regular conversations

  • Meeting for coffee or walks

  • Providing support during difficult times

As discussed here:

Friendship plays a critical role in overall well-being. This program aims to make that accessible to those who currently lack it.

 

 

2. The Problem

Social isolation creates real, practical challenges.

Example 1: Medical Support
Some hospital procedures require a person to accompany patients home after surgery.

Individuals without friends or family may struggle to meet this requirement.

Example 2: Community Safety
Attending events alone can feel unsafe for some individuals:

This concern is not isolated—it reflects broader community experiences.

 

 

3. Proposed Solution

Develop a volunteer-based program where individuals can be matched with Non-Professional Friendship Peer Support Workers.

These workers would:

  • Provide one-on-one companionship

  • Offer emotional support

  • Assist with everyday social activities

  • Be available outside standard service hours

 

 

4. Expected Outcomes

The program would:

  • Reduce social isolation

  • Improve quality of life

  • Increase community participation

  • Provide practical support in everyday situations

Additional context:

It is important to clarify:
This program is not intended to replace romantic relationships.

 

 

As discussed here:

The focus is on friendship, not romantic partnership.

 

Final Summary

This proposal is about something simple, yet deeply important:

  • Having someone to talk to

  • Having someone to spend time with

  • Having someone who shows up when it matters

For many people living in poverty and social isolation, these basic human connections are missing.

This program offers a practical and compassionate way to begin addressing that gap.

 

 

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