Online Peer Support

Crohn’s and Colitis Canada's Gutsy Peer Support initiative is an online mentoring and support program for people affected by Crohn's or colitis. Individuals are connected with experienced mentors who are living with, or are caring for someone with Crohn’s or colitis. This program does not replace professional counselling or advice from your medical specialists. If you are in crisis or require more immediate assistance, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.

How does the program work?

Our trained volunteer mentors can provide long term support or can be available to answer just a few questions. Mentors can share experiences and provide advice on how to deal with aspects of everyday living with Crohn’s or colitis, including work, school, relationships, stress or anxiety, travel, diet and lifestyle, and managing symptoms. Conversations can take place over email, online chat, video and/or audio calls using our secure Google platform.

How can I take part?

Interested individuals should review the program waiver and complete the application form below. 
Our staff will review your request and preferences to match you with an appropriate individual, and get back to you within 2 to 3 business days. You must be 18 or over to participate in this program.

Application Form

Please complete the application form below and review the program waiver. Once you have completed this form, please click submit. All required fields will be marked with an asterisk (*). You cannot submit your application without completing these required fields. If you have questions, please contact us at learn@crohnsandcolitis.ca 

(if you do not feel comfortable providing your first name, please provide a name that you’d prefer for us to share with your mentor)
(please note, this email address will be shared with one of our volunteer mentors)
( ) -
What is your gender:


Would you prefer to be connected with a mentor of the same gender as you?:

What language(s) do you feel comfortable communicating in (select all that apply):

please provide specific information if you selected "Other" from the dropdown above
Can we share your above diagnosis information with your mentor?:

(please indicate calendar year)
Are there any specific topics that you would be most interested in speaking with a mentor about, based on your current needs (select the three most important)? :







Please specify which types of surgery
For example, what do you hope to get out of participating in this program?
Waiver*:

Waiver

Please click here to review the program waiver.

  • Canada has among the highest incidence rates of Crohn's and colitis in the world.
  • 1 in 140 Canadians lives with Crohn’s or colitis.
  • Families new to Canada are developing these diseases for the first time.
  • Incidence of Crohn’s in Canadian kids under 10 has doubled since 1995.
  • People are most commonly diagnosed before age 30.

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