Peer support is built around the principles of self-determination and empowerment. When a system of care becomes too prescriptive or negates an individual’s right to self-determination it can create a chasm between the person and the system. At its best, some subset of people experiencing mental health problems will find their way through such a system and will eventually become empowered to participate fully in their own treatment. At its worst, people are traumatized and alienated by the very system they might wish to trust during a crisis. When trust is lost, many people withdraw from services and do not participate even when services are forced upon them. Peer support addresses this inequity on many levels. Because of their own experiences, peer support workers understand the importance of trust and participating in one’s own care. They offer honesty and transparency to individuals who are otherwise reluctant to engage. They are listeners, advocates, navigators and mentors. This webinar will discuss peer support approaches for engaging individuals who have lost trust in, or are fearful of, the formal system of care, and methods for building self-management skills.