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 Peer Support Group offers adult survivors of sexual violence, abuse or harassment a safe, welcoming and trauma-sensitive space to connect and support one another.
Anyone who has experienced sexual violence, abuse or harassment, regardless of when it occurred, is welcome to attend. Please note this is not a therapeutic group.
The group is facilitated by a member of staff and trained women volunteers, who hold the space and provide support when needed.
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.