Follow the Project’s Progress

Building The Bridge is being developed in Phases. The team is drawing on research and literature, practitioner knowledge, community conversations and the experiences of emerging social workers to develop an ethical, equity-centred peer debriefing model.

This page will share approved project updates, practical learning materials and findings as the pilot progresses. Materials will be added only after they have been reviewed and approved for public use.

Last updated: September 5, 2026

Current Project Updates

Project development

The project is currently in its listening and design phase. The team is:

• Reviewing research on peer debriefing, reflective practice, communities of practice and practitioner wellbeing.

• Learning from social workers, educators, facilitators and community partners.

• Exploring how power, identity, systemic conditions and workplace realities should be addressed within peer debriefing.

• Developing an initial framework, participation agreement and facilitator approach.

• Planning recruitment, accessibility supports and the structure of the pilot sessions.

Recruitment

Recruitment for the pilot has begun.

Social work students and recent graduates who are interested in reflective, ethical and equity-centred practice will be invited to review the eligibility requirements and register to get the meeting Zoom links for participation. Refer to the "Get Involved" section of this website.

Peer Support and Debriefing Community of Practice sessions

We have scheduled 6 facilitated sessions between mid October- early December. Sessions will be approximately 90 minutes and will take place online.

Participants will have opportunities to:

• Reflect on practice experiences and ethical tensions.

• Learn with other students and emerging social workers.

• Consider how identity, power, policy and workplace conditions influence practice.

• Identify possible supports, boundaries and accountable next steps.

• Provide feedback to help strengthen the model.

Specific dates and participation details will be posted once they are confirmed.

Learning and Evaluation

Participant feedback will help the team understand what was helpful, what needs to change and what would be required to sustain future communities of practice.

At the end of the pilot, the team may share approved, non-identifying findings, such as:

• Lessons about designing and facilitating peer debriefing.

• Factors that supported or limited participation.

• Accessibility and inclusion considerations.

• Recommendations for future Communities of Practice (CoP).

• Practical tools or resources developed through the project.

No participant stories, quotations or identifying information will be shared publicly without appropriate consent and approval.

Resource Library

The resource library will grow throughout the project. It will include short, accessible materials that participants, facilitators, educators and community partners can use to learn about peer debriefing and reflective practice.

Understanding peer debriefing

Resources in this section may include:

• What Is Peer Debriefing?
  A plain-language introduction to the purpose, structure and limits of facilitated peer reflection.

• Peer Debriefing, Therapy and Supervision
  A guide explaining the differences between peer debriefing, clinical supervision, therapy, case consultation and crisis support.

• What to Expect in a Session
  An overview of how sessions are structured, what facilitators do and the choices participants have about sharing.

Preparing to participate

Resources may include:

• Preparing for a Peer Debriefing Session
  Questions participants can consider before attending and guidance for discussing experiences without revealing identifying information.

• Participation Agreements
  Shared expectations related to respect, privacy, boundaries, choice, accountability and the limits of confidentiality.

• Access and Participation Options
  Information about available accommodations, technology requirements and different ways participants can contribute.

Reflective practice tools

Resources may include:

• Reflection Questions for Complex Practice Experiences

• Recognizing Ethical Tensions and Competing Responsibilities

• Exploring Identity, Power and Systemic Conditions

• Moving from Reflection to Accountable Action

• Identifying Boundaries, Supports and Next Steps

These materials are intended to support reflection rather than prescribe a single correct response.

Communities of Practice

This section will explore how communities of practice can help emerging social workers:

• Learn with and from peers.

• Reduce professional isolation.

• Connect ethical principles with everyday practice.

• Develop relationships of mutual support and accountability.

• Sustain reflective practice beyond a single workshop or training session.

Professional guidance and additional supports

The site may also link to approved professional guidance, ethical standards and community supports. Potential resources may include:

• Social work codes of ethics and standards of practice.

• Reflective-practice and ethical decision-making tools.

• Equity, anti-racism and anti-oppressive practice resources.

• Workplace, student and professional support services - referral pathways.

Important Resource Notice

The information shared on this website is educational. It does not replace therapy, crisis services, clinical supervision, legal advice, professional consultation or formal workplace and institutional processes.

If a situation involves immediate safety concerns, a professional obligation, possible misconduct or a need for clinical direction, participants should seek the appropriate qualified or emergency support.