CEDAR’s newest Peer Support Worker, Roy

Roy Barry has been a Peer Support Worker for the last 15 years. Roy previously worked for Positive Living, now known as Phoenix Society, at Abbotsford’s first safe consumption site. It was here he learned to connect his peers to services that could save their lives, and he saved countless people’s lives by responding to overdoses. He estimates that he’s administered Naloxone to over 500 people over the course of his work as a Peer Support Worker.

He had a close connection with Kiah Ashley, one of the founders of Project Angel, which was CEDAR Outreach's predecessor. He enjoyed being one of the original “Angels” and being dispatched with a red backpack to help assist a peer in need.

Along with many other CEDAR staff members, Roy worked at The Cabin before it was shut down in 2022. The Cabin was a drop-in center that featured a safe consumption tent. 

Despite not having any formal education, Roy has never had to apply for a job in this field because of his strong connections in the community. When CEDAR Outreach’s Executive Director, Megan Capp, heard he was looking for work, he became a Peer Support Worker.

When he is not hard at work, Roy enjoys tending to his garden and his many houseplants.