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
The purpose of the Peer Support Group is for adult, self-identified women and gender-diverse 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.
The groups run on the following dates and times: Tuesday 11-13.00 in Brighton (open to self-identifying women and gender-diverse survivors, venue not fully accessible). Wednesday 18.30-20.30 in an accessible venue in Brighton (open to self-identifying women only). We ask everyone to arrive in good time for the start of the group.
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
If you wish to attend a face-to-face group, please know we are working safely and within guidelines. Please do not attend if you have any symptoms of Covid-19. If you develop symptoms with 48 hours of attending the group, please let us know.
Peer Support Group Agreement
1. Confidentiality
Everything said in group is confidential*. This will only change if the group facilitator or volunteers believes that a participant or someone else is at risk.
2. Discussion
We ask participants to understand that it is not appropriate to talk about the details of any abuse, but it is fine to discuss the impact the abuse may have had and how they are feeling.
3. Physical contact
Please do not initiate physical contact with another group member unless you have asked them, and they have agreed to this. Even a touch on the arm that was intended to be reassuring may cause anxiety for some group members.
4. I statements
We encourage the use of ‘I’ rather than ‘You’ when supporting each other.
5. Appropriate behaviour
We ask for considerate behaviour and compassionate and inclusive language towards all group members.
6. Alcohol and Other Drugs
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.
7. Exclusive relationships
Please be mindful that exclusive relationships between or among group members can make other group members feel left out.
8. Self Care
Remember to take care of yourself. If you need to, take a break, and ask the facilitator or volunteers for support.
10. Being together safely
We ask all participants to agree to abide by social distancing rules and Covid 19 guidelines.
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, self-identified women survivors of sexual violence, abuse or harassment, recent or historic. Our Tuesday afternoon group is open to gender-diverse survivors (this includes but is not limited to gender queer people, Non-Binary people and trans people.) One of our groups is for self-identified women over 50 only.
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
Tuesdays 11.00-13.00 and Wednesdays 18.30-20.30
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 sam@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 sam@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.