Group Agreement for Peer Support
In Peer Support sessions and workshops, we all follow the Group Agreement. It helps everyone feel safe, welcome and included.
Keep things private
You can talk about your own experience outside of the group, but do not share anyone else’s name or story.
No pressure
You choose what you want to share. You do not have to speak or answer a question. Some people come along to share, and some come to just listen and connect. It is up to you.
Listening with care
When someone is talking, we listen. We give each speaker our full attention. We do not have side conversations.
Respect differences
Everyone is different. We do not compare or judge. We all have different opinions. We can disagree, but we do not argue.
Take care of yourself
Your wellbeing comes first. If you need a break, you can leave the room. You do not need to explain why. If you leave the room, a member of the Peer Support Team will come to see if you are OK.
Make time for other people
Your own words are important but try to be aware of how long you are speaking for. The facilitator will also help to make sure everyone gets a chance to speak.
Sharing contact details
After the session, you can share contact details if you want. You do not have to do this. And you do not have to accept anyone else’s contact details or contact them.
Kindness
We treat everyone with kindness and respect. We do not speak about anyone in the group in an unkind way. We do not use abusive words.
Different journeys
Some people have thought about their own experience for many years. Some people may not
have shared their experience before. Everyone is welcome here, and we do not judge.
Stay on topic
We focus on our own experiences and on Peer Support. We focus on hope, experiences and connection.
Support to follow the Group Agreement
Everyone’s wellbeing is really important. We want to make sure everyone has a good experience in the group.
If someone is not following the agreement, a member of the Peer Support Team may:
- gently move the conversation along
- remind the person about the group agreement
- suggest a short break
If the same issue continues, a member of the Peer Support Team will:
- talk with the person privately
- make sure the person understands the group agreement
- talk about how to keep the sessions safe, welcoming and respectful
If a person’s behaviour makes the group unsafe, a member of the Peer Support Team might:
- ask that person to take a break from the session
- ask that person to leave the session
- talk to the person about how we can support them to take part in a way that keeps everyone safe
This Group Agreement has been created by people in our Peer Support community. If you have any questions about the Group Agreement or if you think anything is missing, contact the Peer Support Team:
Peer Support Team
Email: peer-support@future-pathways.co.uk
Phone or text: 07552 393 019
You can download a copy of the Group Agreement below.
If your contact details have changed, remember to let us know. And if you would like to give feedback about Future Pathways, please contact us.
Update us
Have you changed your postal address, email address or your phone number? If you have, please let us know. It is important that we have the correct details for you so we can tell you about support.
If you have a Support Coordinator, you can let them know. Or, you can:
- email us at engagement@future-pathways.co.uk
- phone us for free on 0808 164 2005 (Monday-Friday, 10am to 4pm)
- write to us at Future Pathways, 40 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RT
Share your views
You can give us feedback – good or bad – at any time.
You can use our online feedback form: www.future-pathways.co.uk/feedback
If you would like to get a copy of the feedback form by post instead, you can let us know by:
- emailing engagement@future-pathways.co.uk
- phoning us for free on 0808 164 2005 (open Monday-Friday, 10am to 4pm)
- writing to us at Future Pathways, 40 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh EH2 4RT
- speaking to your Support Coordinator