Frequently Asked Questions

Reach out to the peer supporter of your choice via email. They’ll get back to you to set up a convenient time to chat. You can email addresses and details about each peer supporter to find a good fit for you via our Peer Supporters page.

Our team of Peer Supporters are trained to listen and talk confidentially with colleagues about work-related challenges affecting their mental health or well-being. They can help colleagues connect to additional help, if needed. Learn more about the role and responsibilities of a CAJ Peer Supporter.

Yes, discussions with a CAJ Peer Supporter are meant to be confidential. There are, however, limits in the event you disclose you are at risk of harming yourself or others. Feel free to discuss the limits of confidentiality with your peer supporter first, before your chat.

All selected CNIPS Peer Supporters are required to complete, at minimum, 2 half days of expert-led peer supporter training that includes:

  1. Introduction to peer support
  2. Mental health in journalism
  3. Key peer supporter skills (active listening, resource referral, self-care, crisis intervention, etc.)
  4. Principles & mechanisms of the Canadian News Industry Peer Support program
  5. Limitations of peer support (reinforcing boundaries and when to get a professional involved)

In May 2025, we launched a pilot program involving 20 initial volunteers who’ve joined the Canadian News Industry Peer Support program.

We are looking to expand the network in 2025-2026 to approximately 100 peer supporters and will be sending out “Calls for Applications,” seeking a wide diversity of participants.

If you have are interested, or have questions, drop a line to contact our CNIPS program managers at peersupport@caj.ca.

  1. Passionate about colleagues’ well-being and mental health
  2. Empathetic, non-judgemental and a good listener
  3. Eager to support colleagues at work
  4. Employed, full time or freelance, in Canadian news industry and journalism

If you are struggling and need someone to talk to – reach out to a trusted colleague or manager.

If you are at risk of harming yourself or for urgent care, call 9-8-8 the national Suicide Crisis Helpline.