Peer Support Principles
Peer support only works when we are all involved and can give and get support from peers. These are the principles which we build our groups on.
Trust – Feeling safe and having confidence in the group
Hope – Feeling that you can achieve your goals, believing that recovery is possible
Diversity – We all have different experiences, perspectives and opinions and value those differences
Empathy – We understand and share the emotion of others
Mutual Benefit – We share and encourage others to share, so that we may give and get support
Peer Support Guidelines
Safety
In the group each of us is responsible for our own safety. When sharing our experiences, we should always focus on the here and now, and not delve into past events or traumas. If someone else speaks of such things, it is ok to say you find that triggering or to step out of the group. If you step out of the group, or leave the session, please message the group facilitators so we can make sure you are safe.
Participation
During the meeting there is no pressure to talk, sometimes we can draw strength just be being with people who understand. There is no requirement to have your camera on during sessions, if you prefer not to for any reason that is ok.
Respect
We are all here for the same reasons – to get support and learn from each other. It’s ok for us all to have different experiences and perspectives. Please be respectful of others, and remember to talk with them and not over them. Please offer support rather than advice. We are committed to this being an inclusive group and anyone using any offensive or discriminatory language may be asked to leave.
Confidentiality
Our participation and discussion here is private and confidential to the group. It is fine to discuss topics raised in the group with your support network or therapist, but please respect the confidentiality of the group and refrain from sharing personal information.
Concerns
If at any time you have concerns about the topics raised, or someone else in the group, you can message the facilitators at any time to discuss your concerns. Any conversations will be held in confidence unless required by law.
Safeguarding
If you share something that identifies someone may be at risk of harm (whether yourself or another adult/child), our safeguarding policy will be used. We will speak with you privately about any concerns and discuss any further options. We keep your contact details securely in accordance with GDPR and will not share them without your permission expect if required by law or safeguarding.
Attendance
You can attend the group for as long as you need to, there is no restriction on how long you can attend. We do advise you join for at least six sessions, and advise us if you intend to leave so we can offer your place to someone else. If you do not attend three meetings in a row without advising us, you may be removed from the group.
Online safety
- We want the group to be a safe space, and expect everybody to be responsible for their online safety, please follow the online safety guidelines:
- The meeting link is confidential to this group and must not be shared with any other person(s)
- If you prefer not to use your name as your username, you can choose an anonymous name, please let the facilitators know so they are aware you have attended the group.
- Please ensure you are in a private space where the group will not be heard by anyone else in your household.
- We will not record sessions or save chats, and you must not record the sessions, save chats or screenshot the meeting.
- Please do not drink alcohol or misuse substances before or during the meeting.
- Please arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time. We will ‘lock’ the meeting when it starts.
Removal from Group
We want the group to be a safe space, and expect everybody to be responsible for keeping the group a safe and supportive environment. There may be times when we feel it is necessary to ask someone to leave the group, temporarily or permanently. Many issues can be resolved by a 1-1 conversation, we always aim to resolve issues and return to the group wherever possible.
Reasons for removal includes (but is not limited to):
- Abusive or offensive language or comments
- Repeatedly talking over others who are speaking
- Speaking about topics which others find distressing
- If we feel you or someone around you are unsafe
- If we receive a complaint from another group member.
- Mentions of unhealthy coping methods or treatments that are not medically proven (such as microdosing or the use of illegal substances)