Senior Peer Support Volunteer Training Starting on February 3, 2026 on Zoom, 4 pm- 8 pm

Senior Peer Support Training Program focused on enhancing empathy, active listening, and emotional support skills for volunteers aged 55 and older. 

You  must live in  Vancouver to be able  to visit seniors who live in  Vancouver.
You must be an older adult 55 and over

Senior Peer Support Training Program: “Empathy in Action”
Program Overview:
This program is designed to train senior volunteers (ages 55+) to provide emotional support and guidance to their peers through empathetic communication, active listening, and empowering conversations. The training helps participants strengthen interpersonal skills, explore emotional awareness, and practice tools that promote self-reliance among seniors facing life transitions, grief, loneliness, or other personal challenges. The training curriculum was developed by Senior Peer Counselling of BC

The training is being offered on Zoom, 4 p m- 8 pm  for 12 sessions
in February, on Tuesdays and Thursdays on February 3,5,10,12,17,19,24,26
and continuing in March on Mondays and  Wednesdays on March 2,4,9  and 11.  
 The first eleven sessions are all  on Zoom and the twelfth session on March 11 is in person
Upon completion you will get a certificate in senior peer support.  The training is being offered at no cost

Program Objectives:
Develop deeper empathy and compassion in peer interactions.
Build advanced active listening skills to create a safe and supportive space.
Empower seniors to find their own solutions rather than giving advice.
Practice role-playing techniques to handle sensitive or emotionally charged conversations.
Learn boundaries, confidentiality, and self-care practices for peer counsellors.
Target Participants:
Adults aged 55 years and older who wish to volunteer as senior peer support volunteer, offering emotional and practical support to other seniors within the community.

Program Outline:
 Introduction to Peer Support
Understanding the purpose and boundaries of peer counselling.
The difference between counselling and “fixing” problems.
Group bonding activities and sharing personal motivations for volunteering.

: Foundations of Empathy
What empathy is (and is not).
Exploring personal biases and how they affect listening.
Guided exercises to “step into another’s shoes.”

 Active Listening Skills
Listening beyond words – tone, pauses, and nonverbal cues.
Reflective listening techniques (paraphrasing, summarizing).
Paired listening exercises with feedback.

 Communication Skills for Emotional Support
How to ask open-ended, empowering questions.
Techniques to validate and normalize feelings.
Managing silence and expressing understanding.

 Role Playing and Real-Life Scenarios
Participants practice counselling simulations in small groups.
Scenarios: coping with loss, adjusting to retirement, family conflict, social isolation.
Trainer feedback focused on empathy and communication style.

 Empowering Others to Solve Their Own Problems
Techniques to help peers discover their own strengths and resources.
Encouraging self-reflection and goal setting.
Avoiding overhelping or advice-giving.

 Boundaries, Ethics & Confidentiality
The importance of ethical conduct in peer counselling.
Handling emotional situations and referral protocols.
Self-care and emotional resilience for counsellors.

Integration and Certification
Group review of learning highlights.
Supervised final role-play assessment.
Discussion of ongoing supervision and support opportunities.
Certificate of Completion awarded to all graduates.

Training Methods:
Interactive discussions – sharing experiences and perspectives.
Role-playing exercises – to build confidence and apply skills.
Peer feedback & group reflection – fostering learning through mutual support.
Skill-building activities – empathy mapping, listening circles, communication drills.
Guest speakers & real-life case examples 
Expected Outcomes:

By the end of the program, participants will:

Demonstrate greater empathy, patience, and understanding in conversations.
Use effective listening techniques that encourage trust and openness.
Support peers in exploring their emotions and finding personal solutions.
Apply positive communication strategies in everyday interactions.
Feel confident and well-prepared to serve as volunteer peer counsellors.