Northern Lights recipient – AAWEAR

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Location: provincewide

Physical distancing has created challenges for people experiencing addiction. Alberta Addicts who Educate and Advocate Responsibly’s (AAWEAR) volunteer peer outreach workers are working non-stop to support in-risk individuals who have substance misuse, mental health, physical health and other barriers to services during this time.

AAWEAR's teams have been meeting folks and supporting them with system navigation and providing basic needs such as bagged lunches, hygiene kits and harm reduction supplies, while having open conversations around accessing supports for housing and recovery.

When individuals have nowhere to go, AAWEAR's peer outreach workers have been there to lend an empathetic ear (while following safe volunteering guidelines) and support individuals with information about system changes and how to access the best resources for their current needs.