Support and Services

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 

First Name*:	(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)
Last Name:
Email*:	(please note, this email address will be shared with one of our volunteer mentors)
Confirm Email*:
Phone:	( ) - Second three digits Last four digits
Address:
City/Town:
Province/Territory:
Postal Code*:
What best describes your reason for seeking peer support?*:	I am a caregiver for someone living with Crohn’s or colitis I am newly diagnosed with Crohn’s or colitis My diagnosis or life situation has recently changed Other (Choose one only)
If you selected "Other" above, please specify:
What duration of support are you looking for?*:	I only have a few questions (1-2 weeks of support) I am looking for short term support (1-2 months) I am looking for long term support (3+ months) I don’t know/unsure
What is your age? :	Under 18 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+ Choose one only
If you are a caregiver for someone with Crohn’s or colitis, what is your dependent’s age? :	Under 5 5-12 13-17 18-24 25-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65-74 75+ Choose one only
What is your gender:	Male Female Other
Would you prefer to be connected with a mentor of the same gender as you?:	Yes Doesn't matter
What language(s) do you feel comfortable communicating in (select all that apply):	English French
Which option best describes you? :	Employed Seeking employment Not employed, not seeking employment Retired Student Other
If you selected "Other" above, please specify:
What is your (or your dependent’s) current diagnosis?*:	Crohn’s disease Ulcerative colitis Indeterminate colitis Other
If you selected "Other", please specify:	please provide specific information if you selected "Other" from the dropdown above
Can we share your above diagnosis information with your mentor?:	Yes No
What year were you first diagnosed?:	(please indicate calendar year)
What is your current disease severity? :	Mild (i.e., my disease rarely affects day-to-day activities) Moderate (i.e., my disease sometimes affects day-to-day activities) Severe (i.e., my disease most often affects day-to-day activities) Don't know/other
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)? :	Time and/or stress management Fertility and/or pregnancy issues Relationship issues Living with an ostomy Surgery (please specify which type/types of surgery below) Workplace issues School issues Travel
If you selected "Surgery" above, please specify:	Please specify which types of surgery
Is there anything else you would like us to share with your mentor?:	For example, what do you hope to get out of participating in this program?
Waiver*:	By checking this box, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the waiver below.
Security code:	Enter security code:

Waiver

Please click here to review the program waiver.