01 Who can attend?
Anyone can attend our general peer support groups as long as you are 18+. For those ages 13-17, please check out our Good Company Gathering for Youth. For our identity-specific groups, we ask that you confirm that you identify with that specific group.
02 What are peer support groups?
Peer support groups are facilitated by trained peer support specialists with lived experience navigating mental health challenges. Peer support specialists are trained to hold space for others with mutuality that does not aim to fix, analyze, or pathologize individuals. Peer support is rooted in the belief that different things work for different people and encourages individuals to find what works for them. Where needed, peers can share their experience and be supportive of others. Peer specialists can be helpful in resource navigation or co-learning because they have “been there” themselves.
03 What is a comfort agreement?
In a group setting, peer facilitators can help balance individual and collective needs by gently reminding group members of communally agreed-upon rules called a “Comfort Agreement”. This will be reviewed at the start of each meeting, and space will be given to see if there is anything we want to add for the day. By joining in, we agree to adhere to the space’s comfort agreement.
Comfort Agreements By Space:
04 Do I have to share to attend?
Nope! There is never any pressure to share. You are more than welcome to just feel it out your first few times, or never share at all, and simply hold space with us. You do not have to share directly, and you also do not need to respond to what others may share—just listening to one another and being there together shows we care about what each person is navigating. We encourage you to meet your needs, whether that be using the chat to communicate, having your camera off, bringing comfort items, or doing an activity while we spend our time together.
05 What can I expect at these peer gatherings?
Peer gatherings can look different depending on the peer facilitator or those in the space. Typically, you can expect:
- A short introduction that may include giving space for those who want to share things such as their name, pronouns, and either how they are feeling joining the space on a 1-10 scale, or the facilitator may start a fun icebreaker.
- Review of the Comfort Agreement, as well as space for questions or adding to our needs for the day.
- Seeing who wants to share. Sometimes, facilitators will create a virtual “wheel” to decide the order of shares. If the wheel lands on you, you can go ahead and take time sharing, or say “pass for now” and let others share first until the wheel lands on you again. You are allowed to change your mind and ask to be added to or taken off the wheel.
- Taking turns sharing. This can be anything from a win you’re experiencing, something you are struggling with, something you are excited for, a show-and-tell of a recent art project—really, whatever you want. The floor is yours! After sharing, you can let us know how we can best support you.
06 What is the cost to attend?
Nothing! This is a free resource.
07 How long are these meetings?
Our groups are 1 hour to 1.5 hours long. After everybody who wants to share gets the chance to, a group may end early.
08 Do I need to arrive on time?
We understand that life happens. While joining together to the best of our ability can be helpful, you are welcome to join and leave as needed. We ask that if you are not on time, you allow those who joined on time to be centered in getting an opportunity to share. If you join in the middle of somebody’s share, please do not ask them to repeat themselves.
09 Can I invite a friend to join the gatherings?
Sure! We welcome new participants and encourage you to share the space with friends who also identify with a particular group. We do ask that instead of simply sharing a Zoom link, each individual registers for the group(s) they are interested in attending.
10 How do I get a parent’s consent to attend the Good Company Youth Gathering?
After registering for this group, you will receive a confirmation which includes the link for the Parent/Guardian Consent Form. Please share this link with your parent or guardian for them to complete. Afterward, you will receive the link to join the group.
11 I have additional questions. Who do I contact?
Please contact [email protected]. As a collaborative effort between To Write Love on Her Arms, Peer Support Space, and Here Tomorrow, questions may be redirected to the appropriate partner organization.
