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Peer Support Group (face-to-face)

Our face-to-face peer support group is for adult survivors of sexual violence, abuse or harassment, to come together, share their stories and gain support from each other

All groups are currently paused until :

Maple – April 27th,

Aspen – Thurs 30th April,

Cedar– Wed 6th May

The purpose of the Peer Support Group is for adult survivors of sexual violence, abuse or harassment to come together and gain support from each other.

Those who have experienced any form of sexual violence, abuse or harassment, no matter when it occurred, can attend. Please be aware this is not a therapeutic group.

We aim to offer a safe, welcoming and trauma sensitive space for this to happen (following the Peer Support Group Agreement, below).

The group is facilitated by a member of staff and our trained volunteers. All staff and volunteers identify as women. They will hold the space and be on hand for anyone who needs support.

When Do The Groups Run?

Maple Group

When: Mondays, 14:00 – 16:00 Where: Accessible venue in Brighton Who it’s for: Women survivors who were assigned female at birth and still identify as women

Cedar Group

When: Wednesdays, 18:30 – 20:30 Where: Accessible venue in Brighton Who it’s for: All adult women, including trans women

Aspen Group

When: Thursdays, 11:00 – 13:00 Where: Central Brighton (please note: this venue is not accessible) Who it’s for: All adult women and gender diverse people

Anyone attending will need to have had an initial meeting with our Welcome Team.  

If you are interested, please refer yourself to our Welcome Team here . You will be invited to have a meeting within about 2-weeks, where you can also find out about other support we have available.

If you have already had an initial meeting with our Welcome Team, please email info@survivorsnetwork.org.uk. You will be invited to have a short meeting about groupwork and be given more information about how our peer group works.

We are a trans-inclusive organisation and welcome trans women to our groups. The Peer Support Group operates on self-identification. You are welcome to contact the Volunteer Led Services Manager if you have any questions regarding this – katie@survivorsnetwork.org.uk

Why “Leaf” Names? 

We’ve chosen to name our groups after leaves as a symbol of healing, growth, and new beginnings. Leaves remind us that change is possible, that we can shed what no longer serves us, move through different seasons, and find renewal and hope over time.

“Oak” 50 Plus Peer-Support Group 

We also have a designated trauma-sensitive group for all women (including trans women) aged 50 and over who have experienced sexual violence. The group offers an opportunity to connect with others, build understanding of trauma responses, and explore healthy ways of coping, at a gentle pace and in a supportive environment. Find out more HERE.

Alternatives 

If you think you would be better suited for something less peer-led and support-focused, you may want to learn more about our Create & Connect Group, a creativity-led, gentle space to spend time together and connect through simple, accessible creative activities and community.

Peer Support Group FAQ's

What is the purpose of the group?toggle accordion content

The purpose of the Peer Support Group is for survivors of sexual violence, abuse or harassment, to come together, share their stories and gain support from each other. We aim to offer a welcoming and trauma-sensitive space for this to happen.  

Who is the group for?toggle accordion content

Adult, all women, including trans women, who are survivors of sexual violence, abuse or harassment, recent or historic. 

  • Maple group is open to women who were assigned female at birth and still identify as a woman.
  • Cedar group is open to all women, including trans women.
  • Aspen group is open to gender-diverse survivors (this includes but is not limited to gender queer people, Non-Binary people and trans people)
  • Oak Group is open to all women over 50 only, including trans women. 

Where is the group?toggle accordion content

The groups are run in two locations in central Brighton, one of which is accessible to people with physical disabilities. Once you have met with our Welcome Team, you will be sent details of where the groups are held.

When does the group run?toggle accordion content

Maple Group

  • When: Mondays, 14:00 – 16:00
  • Where: Accessible venue in Brighton
  • Who it’s for: Women survivors who were assigned female at birth and still identify as women

Cedar Group

  • When: Wednesdays, 18:30 – 20:30
  • Where: Accessible venue in Brighton
  • Who it’s for: All adult women, including trans women

Aspen Group

  • When: Thursdays, 11:00 – 13:00
  • Where: Central Brighton (please note: this venue is not accessible)
  • Who it’s for: All adult women and gender diverse people

Oak Group

  • When: (Currently paused)
  • Where: Accessible venue in Brighton
  • Who it’s for: Women (including trans women) aged 50 and above

What is the process for attending?toggle accordion content

Anyone wishing to attend will need to meet with our Welcome Team first. You can complete the form here to start this process-

https://survivorsnetwork.org.uk/get-help/refer-yourself/ 

Once you have met with the Welcome Team and expressed an interest in attending the group, you will be sent a weekly email where you can sign up for the group/s you’d like to attend.  

How many people will be there? toggle accordion content

We have a limit of 10 people that can sign up for each group. There is sometimes less than this. The facilitator and one to three of our trained volunteers will also be there.  

How often can I attend?toggle accordion content

You can attend as often as for as long as you wish to. Some people attend just a few times whilst others come every week for many months. 

Do I need to book?toggle accordion content

Yes. You will be sent a link to book a place via Eventbrite once you have met with our Welcome Team.

What is the structure of the group?toggle accordion content

During the first hour, survivors are invited to speak about how they are and talk about the impact of their experiences of sexual violence. Other group members may offer support to each other during this time and share coping strategies. The facilitator and volunteers help to hold these discussions.  No one is asked to speak and it is fine to say nothing. The last hour is less formal and chance to sit and chat in smaller groups, have a coffee and do some art (in some groups only).  

Do I have to stay for the whole time?toggle accordion content

We ask that people arrive on time and stay for the first part of the session which is the discussion part. Of course, if people feel uncomfortable they do not have to stay. There is also the option of taking some time out of the discussion.  

Do I have talk about my experiences of sexual violence? toggle accordion content

No. We never ask people to speak unless they choose to.  

Who is the facilitator? toggle accordion content

We usually have the same facilitator at each session as we know this is important for consistency. At times, we may have a different person lead the group if the usual facilitator is on holiday or unwell. Anyone who runs the group is DBS checked and is trained and experienced in supporting survivors.  

Can I meet the facilitator before I attend? toggle accordion content

Yes. If you would like to do this, please email Katie@survivorsnetwork.org.uk to arrange.  

Can I see the room before I attend?toggle accordion content

Yes. If you would like to do this, please email Katie@survivorsnetwork.org.uk to arrange.  

Will there be refreshments? toggle accordion content

We have a range of snacks and drinks at the group which usually include gluten-free and vegan options. You will be offered a drink but are also welcome to make your own.   

Is the group ever cancelled?toggle accordion content

If we know the group will not run in advance, the facilitator will let people know by email. If it is cancelled at short notice and people have already signed up, someone will endeavour to let participants know by email or text.  

 Peer Support Group Agreement 

Introduction The Purpose of the PSG is to share stories and gain support from each other and to give support to your peers. We ask that you take care of yourself during the group and take a break if you need to. You can leave the group at any time and there is no pressure to speak or to join in. It’s OK to just be here with others.  

  • Confidentiality

Everything said in group and who attends is kept confidential within Survivors Network. We ask that participants do not discuss anything that occurs between or among group members, and who attends, outside of the group. You may see people from the group in public places, so please be mindful that you don’t share with others, how you know each other as this will be breaking confidentiality. If the group facilitator or volunteer believes that a participant or someone else is at risk, they have a professional obligation to act to help keep everyone safe. This may include calling emergency services if appropriate. We will always try to speak to you first if we need to contact other services. 

* for more details, please ask to see Survivors’ Network Confidentiality Policy, or find it on our website 

*try to stay in the group together and not split off into separate groups in different areas of the buildings or gardens.  This ensures confidentiality and helps everyone feel included in the group 

  • Discussion 

We ask participants not to enter into too much detail about any abuse, such as who and what was involved. It is fine to discuss the impact the abuse may have had and how they are feeling. This is so people are not triggered and don’t feel retraumatised by sharing too much. This is also important as some have open police investigations and discussing the details could impact their case. The GWF and volunteers will guide you if they feel that you are going into too much detail. This may feel difficult, but it is important for protection and boundaries 

  • Physical contact

Please do not initiate physical contact with another group member unless you have asked them, and they have agreed to this. Please ask each time, even if they have agreed to physical touch on a previous occasion. Even a touch on the arm that was intended to be reassuring may cause anxiety for some group members. This extends to mobility aids and service animals. 

  • Questions

If you are asked a question by another group member, you do not have to answer. Just let them know that you prefer not to answer or remain silent. If you are asking questions, please don’t ask probing or very personal questions as this can feel invasive to some. Some people may not wish to speak at all so please don’t invite someone to speak if they are quiet as this may bring unwanted attention and make someone feel uncomfortable. It is very empowering to find your own words and to speak at a time that feels right for you and it is fine if you want to be quiet and just be here. 

  • I statements  

We agree not to give advice. We encourage the use of ‘I’ statements. An example would be ‘I felt like that’ or ‘I experienced the same and found …to help a lot’. These are instead of ‘You’ statements which might be’ Have you tried doing…’ or ‘You really need to…’ I statements help to give people options, fit with SN’s empowerment ethos and the belief they are the experts in their recovery.  

  • Appropriate behaviour & language 

We ask for considerate, non-judgemental, compassionate behaviour and inclusive language towards all group members. We do not accept homophobic, transphobic, racist or ableist language, or language that could make people feel excluded based on their identity. We ask participants to avoid swearing as this can feel aggressive to some. Participants who continue to disrupt or upset the group may be asked to leave. We also ask participants to stay away from divisive or political subject and keep to the purpose of the group.  

  • Alcohol and Other Drugs 

When under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs, individuals may have less access to emotions and less control over their behaviour. If the facilitator believes that a participant is under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, they will be asked politely and discreetly to leave the group. 

  • Exclusive relationships

We encourage positive relationships and peer support within the group, however, please be careful that friendships between group members do not make other group members feel left out. The email that you receive to book a slot at groups is for your own personal use only. We ask that people do not share the Eventbrite links with anyone else, on any platforms, even with people who they know are attending the group. 

  • Self Care 

Although the environment should always be friendly and caring, attending a group can at times feel overwhelming. Remember to take care of yourself. If you need to, take a break, and ask the facilitator or volunteers for support. It’s OK to just be here. 

  • Phones

We request that participants do not use their phones or any recording devices during the group. If someone needs to take an important call during this time, they are welcome to leave the room to do this. Please check that your phones are on silent.  

Data Protection 

We will always aim to keep your information up to date, by storing it securely on password protected databases or in locked filing cabinets, by not keeping it for longer than necessary and by destroying it securely when we no longer need to hold it. 

Please see the Policies page on our website or ask to see our Confidentiality Policy and/or our GDPR Data Protection Policy.