Join the SMSRC's Formal Peer Support Group this winter
December 13, 2023 - Defence Stories
The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC), in partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), is inviting current and former Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, Veterans and Department of National Defence (DND) public service employees affected by sexual misconduct to participate in and evaluate their latest peer support service, the Formal Peer Support Group. This initiative is dedicated to providing essential support to those affected by sexual misconduct by fostering a space for healing and connection.
The Formal Peer Support Groups were launched in the Spring of 2023, with the additional intent to gather feedback from participants to ensure that the offering meets the needs of community members. To date, five Formal Peer Support Groups have been offered, with more scheduled to begin at the end of January 2024. The Program team is currently looking for individuals affected by sexual misconduct to participate.
The Formal Peer Support Group offers up to 10 virtual, 90-minute peer support sessions. Each session is co-facilitated by a trained peer facilitator, with personal-lived experience and who offers a platform for mutual support and understanding, and a VAC mental health professional who ensures a safe and clinically moderated environment for all.
With the guidance and support of the co-facilitators, participants in the group explore various themes related to their experience and the healing journey using prepared educational material during each session.
Participants will also be asked to provide regular and structured feedback on their experience in the group. The Program team is committed to making improvements to this service by continuously reviewing and analyzing feedback as sessions unfold.
"I felt like it was a safe environment. I trusted the confidentiality of the discussions," shared a participant from the peer support group.
The Program team places the utmost importance on the safety and security of all participants. The Formal Peer Support Group's design emphasizes confidentiality and active peer engagement.
Before the first session, each participant takes part in a one-on-one intake meeting with a Program staff member to discuss the group format, structure, and their readiness to take part in group. The code of conduct, consent and confidentiality forms, and safety and emergency protocols are also reviewed with the peer participant.
During the sessions, participants have access to the VAC mental health professional, and between sessions, the SMSRC 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648 is readily available for additional support.
To register to an upcoming group please reach out by email at SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca by 10 January 2024.