MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT NETWORK
This group is supported and funded by the Mental Health Support Network of Hastings & Prince Edward. They also provide this meeting space for us. Our discussion group is completely independent and peer operated, but we gratefully acknowledge the sponsorship of MHSN.
WHAT THIS SUPPORT GROUP IS ABOUT:
This peer support group is a gathering of people who have psychiatric disabilities and mental health issues. Our goal is to provide a safe, open, accepting and non-judgmental place for us all to share and discuss our problems, experiences, hope, skills and goals. We also seek to encourage, support and discuss the process of Recovery from mental illness. We are here to help ourselves and to support each other.
WHO CAN JOIN?
The group is open to all Consumers who identify as having a mental health issue. We are not a group for family members, support persons or mental health professionals. We are a group of peers who all suffer from mental health disorders of some kind.
GROUP RULES:
In order to maintain a safe, open & healthy environment for growth and sharing, all members are expected to abide by the following simple rules of conduct.
* CONFIDENTIALITY/ANONYMITY - Who you see at our meetings and what they discuss must be kept confidential. People will be known only by first names, unless they wish otherwise. Please respect people's privacy.
* NO CROSS TALK OR INTERRUPTING - Everybody will be given a chance to speak. Please be attentive and wait your turn without interrupting. Please respect other people's time.
* NO HOSTILITY - Swearing, threatening, angry outbursts or abuse directed at other members will never be tolerated. Respect our members' right to feel secure and accepted.
* PERSONAL BOUNDARIES - Friendships and socializing outside meetings is definitely permitted and can be a good thing. But please respect people's space and privacy. Not everyone wishes to have contact outside the meetings. If a member feels their personal boundaries aren't being respected, please bring it to the attention of the group.
* NO DISCRIMINATION - Discrimination based on gender, race, religion, politics, social background, philosophy or sexual orientation will never be tolerated in this group.
* NO NARCOTICS OR ALCOHOL - No alcohol or drugs are to be consumed before or during meetings. Persons who are obviously intoxicated and disruptive will be asked to leave immediately.
These simple rules are here to keep things safe, welcoming and comfortable for everyone. Anyone who is unable to follow the rules will be temporarily or permanently suspended from this meeting.
GROUP POLICIES:
Decisions are made democratically based on group conscience when necessary. There is no cost for attending the group. Members share responsibilities. Those who want to take a turn chairing a meeting or being a peer supporter/phone contact are encouraged to participate.
MEETING FORMAT:
The meeting Chairperson acts as timekeeper and is responsible for keeping the discussion under control and flowing. This position is voluntary and will be assigned on a rotating basis. There is a format to follow which makes it simple to chair a meeting. Chairpersons and topics will be scheduled beforehand whenever possible. There will be alternate Chairpersons in case of absences.
THIS IS YOUR GROUP!
It can only benefit and become better by any support, involvement and ideas you bring. Your contributions, suggestions and feedback are very welcome. If you have a problem or concern with the group, feel free to discuss it with us. We want all members to feel they have ownership of this meeting and an equal voice in managing it. This is a support group run BY peers FOR peers. Your participation counts!
Thanks for reading these rules and policies brochure. We hope you find the Recovery Discussion Group to be a positive and helpful experience.