Our Mission

The IAFF Local 55 Peer Support Team’s Mission is to help all members of the organizations with overall mental health and wellness.  Peer Team members will listen with empathy, provide guidance and advise to members who are struggling in any way, i.e. Drug and Alcohol Dependency, Financial Issues, Relationship Issues, Work Stress and more.  Peer Team Members will also help facilitate pathways to getting professional psychological help in “In Patient” programs, “Retreats” or “Culturally Competent” clinicians.

Who we are

International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), Local 55 has developed a Peer Support Team.  This team is made up of selected and specially trained members from the Oakland and Alameda County Fire Departments.  It is a “Peer Driven” program that will have clinical oversight and support from both Fire Department’s Administrations.

Broadly defined, “peer support” refers to a process through which people who share common experiences or face similar challenges may come together as equals to give and receive help based on the knowledge that comes through shared experiences. The shared experiences of peers fosters the initial trust and credibility necessary for developing relationships in which individuals are willing to be open and discuss their concerns and subjects of importance.

Peer Support Team Members are credible, experienced, trusted and held in high esteem. Peer Support Team members can offer educational and social support, and may provide avenues for additional help. Peer-to-Peer relationships are effective because they are built on mutual understanding, respect, trust and confidentiality. These commonalities contribute to the credibility necessary for developing relationships in which individuals are willing to open up and discuss their difficulties despite concerns about stigma.