Heart2Heart Online Peer Support Group

Heart2Heart is a new online peer-to-peer support group for women over the age of 18 living in Bedfordshire who have experienced sexual violence or exploitation, and are struggling with symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (Complex PTSD).

The support group will take place fortnightly throughout February and March 2024. The aim of the group is to provide a safe non-judgmental space to feel heard and connect with others who have been through similar experiences.

The sessions will be run by two specially trained Recovery Code X facilitators. As well as providing a space for sharing experiences and challenges, the sessions will offer psycho-education and insight into the neurobiology of trauma to help us make sense of our experience, as well as coping tools and relaxation techniques.

Sessions are kept to a maximum of 12 participants to allow sufficient time for group sharing and discussion.

Becoming a member of Heart2Heart, a free service, means making a commitment to attend the four sessions and agreeing to completing our online surveys and questionnaires. We hope you will find the course interesting and helpful, however, if for any reason you cannot continue, you are required to notify us by email: admin@recoverycodex.org.

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

If you were hoping to join the series and would like to be added to our mailing list to receive details of future Heart2Heart courses, please contact admin@recoverycodex.org.

Heart2Heart is run in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner Bedfordshire. Further sessions will be considered subject to demand and funding availability.

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REGISTRATIONS ARE CLOSED.

The fortnightly sessions will run in February and March 2024 on the following dates.

PLEASE NOTE NEW START DATE :
Saturday 17th February 2024 – 5pm to 7pm
Friday 1st March 2024 – 6pm to 8pm
Friday 15th March 2024 – 6pm to 8pm
Thursday 28th March - 6pm to 8pm

Venue: Zoom
Duration: Two-hour sessions with tea break
Cost: FREE*

* Please note that when you register for Heart2Heart you are agreeing to complete our online feedback surveys for the duration of the course.

Is this group for me?

Heart2Heart could be the group for you if:

You self-identify or have been diagnosed with mild to moderate Complex PTSD, and struggle to manage your moods and relax, feel safe.

You grew up in a traumatising environment, experienced sexual abuse or exploitation as a child, teen, or young adult.

You suffered abusive, exploitative relationships and sexual violence as an adult.

You would like to meet a friendly group of other women with similar experiences, and reduce the isolation.

You're looking for a safe place to share progress on your healing and recovery.

Or you'd like to just “be”, listen and gain some insights and coping skills.

1. Confidentiality

During a Heart2Heart group session, we take each other into our confidence. Everything said is confidential. What is said within the group, stays within the group. The only exception is if a Recovery Code X group facilitator or volunteer believes that a participant or someone else is at risk of harm.

2. Sharing and discussion

We listen to and respect each other’s views. It is fine to share the impact of traumatic experiences and how these have made you feel, but we ask you not to share details of the abuse in the group.

3. Creating a safe space

We don’t judge each other, make personal comments or give advice. Sensitivity and compassionate behaviour are fundamental to creating a safe space for all.

4. No need to speak

We don’t want anyone to feel left out of discussions, but if you want to just listen and ‘be’, that is fine too.

5. Drugs and alcohol

If you attend a session under the influence of alcohol or drugs, one of the group facilitators will have to ask you to leave. Medication prescribed by a doctor is acceptable.

6. Friendships

If you decide you would like to contact a group member outside the group, you have to obtain their permission. When friendships develop, each party extends permission to contact each other both implicitly and explicitly.

7. Privacy

You need to be in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed. All mobile phones must be switched off at the start.

8. Anonymity

During sessions, it is recommended that only first names are used. Even a pseudonym is okay.

Not sure? Our FAQ might help.

Click here for our guide to frequently asked questions.

Contact us to speak to a member of our team: survivorshub@recoverycodex.org

What our customers say about our peer support groups

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I searched my whole life to understand what was wrong with me and once I discovered myself that I had CPTSD and found Recovery Code X I found a flicker of hope.

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The facilitators are very friendly and patient which always helps when dealing with Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

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It is good to learn techniques that can help me to survive the CPTSD from 30 years of abuse.