The first version of the CONNECT program was created based on a research study where we talked to youth ages 18-29 and their caregivers to learn what they wanted in an online peer support program. They said they wanted the program to include (1) information about disabilities, (2) self-guided learning, (3) a library of trusted health and community resources, and (4) emotional and social support. They also wanted it to be easy to use for people with different physical disabilities, and for the peer navigator (the person helping) to have similar life experiences.
After learning this, we worked with NEXJ Health Wellness to customize their web-based platform to create the CONNECT platform. The NexJ Health Wellness Platform has been used to create peer support programs for adults with chronic illnesses like cancer. It has features like video chatting, messaging, and a health library with links to resources.
In the CONNECT program, youth are paired with a trained peer navigator who offers support. They can message, chat, and video chat directly through the CONNECT platform. Goal setting is a key part of the program. Mentees are asked to come up with one medium-term goal to work on, and each month for six months, they create short-term goals to help them reach that bigger goal. The CONNECT platform also has a Health Library with resources on topics like mental health, health care, and recreation.
Along with developing the program, we also created a training program for the CONNECT Peer Navigators. The training includes:
- Learning the basics of online mentoring
- Extra training on things like the navigator’s role, goal setting, active listening, problem-solving, and safety
- A Mindfulness Self-Compassion Training Workshop led by an experienced teacher