The Pathfinder Network

The Pathfinder Network | Rooted in the Community

The Pathfinder Network was launched during the pandemic to meet the demands of mental health and social issues, and continues to this day.

Its objective is to increase the adaptability and resilience of individuals and communities. Resilience is the ability to live, develop and flourish after experiencing a difficult situation (crisis, conflict, natural disaster, etc.), with a view to achieving an acceptable level of functioning.

The network promotes mental health and environments favourable to health and well-being.

Pathfinders identify and establish contact with people showing signs of psychological distress related to mental health problems or social issues, such as: 

  • The housing crisis
  • Food insecurity 
  • Domestic, family or sexual violence 
  • Learning difficulties 
  • Loss of employment 
  • Lack of a social network 
  • Isolation 
  • Etc. 

The Pathfinder Network offers moral support and, when necessary, guides people to the help resources that can meet their needs.

What are Pathfinders?

Pathfinders are significant people from the community or workers already present in the area and trained in psychological first aid. They have the following mandate:

  • Propose ways for people to take care of themselves and others
  • Share information about local resources
  • Contribute to the development and dissemination of activities that promote well-being
  • Identify and share strategies for coping with signs of stress or, if needed, refer the person to resources for help
  • Keep a finger on the pulse of their community

Collective action that contributes to community well-being

How Can I Become a Pathfinder?

  • Citizens/volunteers: People already involved in their community as volunteers in community organizations, schools or other organizations
  • Workers: Any municipal or company employee likely to be in contact with people at risk of psychological distress
  • Professionals: Anyone in a helping profession and likely to be in contact with people at risk of psychological distress

Pathfinders are volunteers supported by liaison officers from the community council and from CIUSSS West-Central Montreal, who assist them in their work with individuals and the community.

A neighbourhood liaison officer for a community council (composed of community organizations):

  • Recruits, trains, mobilizes and networks the Pathfinders. Pathfinders will be in more immediate contact with this person.

A CIUSSS West-Central liaison officer:

  • Liaises between the community and the various programs and services offered by our establishments, and guides neighbourhood liaison officers and Pathfinders in facilitating access to health network services and directing people to the most appropriate resource or conducting the required psychosocial assessment and follow-up.

Become a Pathfinder

For information on how to join the Pathfinders network:  

Thank you for contributing to the well-being of people in CIUSSS West-Central territory.

Together, we can strengthen the psychological well-being of our communities and have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Pathfinder Training

Training courses have been developed to help Pathfinders work with people experiencing psychological difficulties.

Training Videos (in French) 

 CIUSSS du Nord-de-l'île-de-Montréal | Réseau des éclaireurs et des éclaireuses

Here are 3 French-language videos on supporting men’s well-being:

Basic training is also offered in person by community partners such as the NDG Community Council, the Peter-McGill Community Council and, for the Côte-des-Neiges neighbourhood, the Baobab Familial.

Tools and Resources for Psychological Well-Being

Please contact your liaison officer if you need support.

Participating Organizations

Contact

To contact the Pathfinder Network’s community organization team or for any questions about community development or support for community organizations, see our Partnerships with the community page.

Page last updated on 

We always seek feedback to make our site better.