TorCH (Toronto Coaching in Health) is an exciting partnership between the South Riverdale Community Health Centre (SRCHC) and Findhelp|211 Central (211) that will bring health coaching and system navigation support to marginalized individuals in their homes.

Drawing from the strengths of both organizations, we will provide wraparound support for people living with multiple chronic health conditions (such as cancer, diabetes, heart conditions, etc.). SRCHC will introduce to Toronto a successful peer-led health coaching program that is being offered in British Columbia, as part of their Choose Health services. Findhelp|211 team will bolster this self-management support by providing system navigation support to clients receiving health coaching services.

What happens in the program?

Peer Health Coaches will engage with participants by phone, once a week, for a 30 minute call for a period of up to three months. Registered participants will be paired with Health Coaches based on gender, age and/or shared chronic health condition(s). Health Coaches call their participants on a weekly basis at a predetermined time. Through this contact, Health Coaches:

• Provide weekly phone support for 3 months
• Provide education about self-management strategies
• Work with participants to develop plans and goals to improve their health
• Motivate participants to initiate and maintain behaviour changes
• Provide social and emotional support
• Help participants access community services and programs

Peer Health Coaches provide a dimension of support that complements and enhances professional health care; they do not provide medical or clinical advice or treatment.

Peer Health Coaches will also provider referral to 211|FindHelp to promote system navigation.

Who can participate?

Individuals over the age of 18 who are living with any long term health condition and are experiencing difficulty managing their health can participate.

What does it cost to participate?

The program is offered FREE of cost. Participants receive a copy of either the “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Conditions” or the “Living a Healthy Life with Chronic Pain” book.

Who are the Health Coaches?

Peer Health Coaches are trained individuals who also live with long term health conditions.  A coach provides support and guidance to help you make the healthy changes you want to work on such as managing your health condition(s) and its complications, finding helpful community resources and taking action to live a healthy life. Their expertise stems from their shared experience with chronic conditions. Peer Health Coaches have successfully completed two-day training on coaching skills and self-management strategies.

Peer Health Coaches are not health professionals, but they have been trained to help you in the day to day management of your health condition. Your coach will have a similar chronic health condition or have family members or friends who do. Therefore, they have – firsthand knowledge of the challenges that you may be facing. Your coach can help explain your options and the best ways of working with your health care team.

Who developed the program?

The Peer Health Coaching program was developed by Self-Management BC™ at the University of Victoria – Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health.

How do I participate?

Peer health coaches are available Monday to Saturday, during the times noted below. This program will officially begin the week of 5th July 2021. You can write to [email protected] with your preferred time slot and include a phone number. A member of the team will follow up to ask further questions to support you with registration.

You can also contact us at 416-461-3577  x  351 for any further clarifications/registrations.