Updates
We're taking harm reduction on the road!
We know harm reduction services are needed Island wide, not just in Charlottetown. Last year, with funding support from Health Canada's Substance Use and Addictions Program, we had an opportunity to connect with people who use drugs in rural and small-town communities—and we met some awesome people!
With the Peer Lead Rural Outreach Project now over, we wanted to make sure those connections could continue to happen.
Starting June 3rd and on Mondays going forward, the PEERS Alliance outreach vehicle will head West with harm reduction supplies and information available for anyone who might benefit from access (i.e., people who use drugs, people who love someone who is using drugs, service providers who work with people who use drugs).
Starting June 6th and on Thursdays going forward, we’ll be heading East with the same materials and information available. The outreach vehicle will make regular stops for drop by/walk-up visits in Summerside, Alberton, Souris, and Montague.
Community members can also call our Rural Outreach Coordinator (902-388-5306) to schedule a stop anywhere along our drive route(s). Keep an on our website, our full service route schedule is coming soon!
What will be available from the outreach vehicle?
- Safer injection equipment (syringes, cookers, cottons, water, ties, sharp boxes)
- Safer smoking equipment (pipes, mouth pieces, screens, push sticks, alcohol swabs)
- Naloxone and naloxone training
- Drug testing services
- Sharps return / Collection of consumption waste
- Survival equipment as is available (i.e., snacks, water, socks, blankets, first aid items etc.)
- Referrals to housing, health, and other services
If you’d like to get connected to the Rural Outreach Project, call or text Lauren at 902-388-5306 or send her an email at lauren@peersalliance.ca.
A Warm Welcome To Our New Street Outreach Workers!
A huge welcome to Beccah O'Keefe (she/her) and Mitch Edwards (he/him), our new Street Outreach Workers! We're so glad to these two and their skills, expertise, and experience on board at PEERS Alliance.
We asked Mitch what his ultimate movie snack is, and he said "almost any gummy, preferrably of the sour variety!"
We asked Beccah what her favourite emoji is, and she said "the sun emoji!"
We're thrilled to have them both on the team!
DBS Clinic - Update for June!
Mark your calendars! Our Dried Blood Spot Testing Clinic is back in June! Join us at 81 Prince St. in Charlottetown on:
- Tuesday, June 4th from 4pm-8pm
- Tuesday, June 18th from 4pm-8pm
We're now a walk-in clinic, making it easier for you to access essential testing services. No appointment needed! Get tested for HIV, Hep C, Hep B, and screened for Syphilis. Your health matters, especially as we gear up for a fun and safe summer!
Questions? Contact Scott at scott@peersalliance.ca or call 902-566-2437.
Programming
Tales of Islandia
Join us for an exciting spring Live Action Role Playing (LARP) program for youth, in partnership with Wild Child! Tales of Islandia starts Friday, May 31st and runs weekly on Fridays from 4:00 - 6:00pm until Friday, June 21st.
Explore the outdoors, create stories, and make friends in a queer and trans-inclusive environment. Open to ages 9-16, this in-person program runs weekly at Robert Cotton Park in Stratford. Come prepared for the weather, as we play rain or shine (except for lightning and heavy storms).
Final Programming Dates Until the Fall
Reminder: our programming takes a break for July and August! Below are the final dates of our programming until we start back up again in September.
Rainbow Youth Club: June 4 & 18 in Summerside, June 11 in Charlottetown, and June 12 in Montague
Roots & Shoots Summerside: June 18
Roots & Shoots Charlottetown: June 26
Buds: June 27
Queer Youth Writing Club: June 24 & July 29
Camp Aspen
PEERS Alliance and Camp Abby are excited to announce that we are back with a third season of Camp Aspen! Camp Aspen 2024 will take place at Camp Abegweit in Borden-Carlton, from Sunday, August 11th until Thursday, August 15th.
Camp Aspen is a sleepaway summer camp for 2SLGBTQ+ youth and allies ages 14 to 18. Here, youth can participate in workshops, learn new skills, and experience everything a summer camp has to offer in a fun and inclusive environment!
Harm Reduction
Remember that we offer FREE Naloxone!
Reminder that PEERS Alliance offers FREE naloxone kits! Please reach out to Tessa, our Harm Reduction Program Manager, at tessa@peersalliance.ca or by calling 902-388-6235.
Donate
PEERS Alliance relies on your donations to continue to offer lifesaving services to 2SLGBTQ+ Islanders, people who use substances, and people who are experiencing homeless.
Please consider setting up a monthly donation or offering a one-time donation!