Survivors Hub FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The Survivors Hub Peer Support Groups

Questions and Answers

1. What is the Survivors Hub?

The Survivors Hub is the name of the project dedicated to running peer-to-peer self-help groups for adults who have experienced prolonged, repeated exposure to abuse, be that physical, emotional, psychological, sexual or spiritual, in childhood or adulthood from which there was no real avenue of escape.

2. What is peer support?

Peer support is when people use their own experiences to help each other. There are different types of peer support, but they all aim to: bring together people with shared experiences to support each other, provide a space where you feel accepted and understood, treat everyone's experiences as being equally important.

3. What can I expect from attending the sessions?

 We teach evidence-based theory about the causes and symptoms of Complex PTSD, and equip you with skills and knowledge for your recovery journey.

4. How do I join?

You need to complete an online registration form, displayed on the Groups page.

5. Do I have to pay?

No. The sessions are free.

6. Is it always online?

The autumn group will be only accessible online.

We may be able to offer face-to-face groups in the future.

7. What do you expect from members of the group?

We would like you to attend every session and do let us know if this is not possible.

We appreciate feedback after each session by email or phone.

We expect you to respect the views and confidentiality of other group members.

8. Is this the right time for me to join the Survivors Hub?

You might decide that peer support isn't what you need at the moment. Many people use peer support more at certain times and less at others, depending on what feels helpful at the time.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns. Contact admin@recoverycodex.org.

9. Might it be difficult hearing about others' experiences?

Listening to other people is a big part of peer support. This can help you feel less alone or introduce you to new ways of coping, but there might also be times when listening to other people's experiences feels unhelpful or triggering for you.

10. What does a mental health peer facilitator do?

Our peer facilitators are people who can give support and advice from the perspective of having experienced similar issues, tell you about their experience and give ideas about how to deal with specific situations, help you identify and contact other organisations that can help you.

11. Is there a workbook we have to follow?

No. Not at this time.

12. Is it suitable for me?

Please do contact us on admin@recoverycodex.org and attend the introductory session to decide whether this group is suitable for you.

13. How do you keep the group safe?

We operate within strict ethical guidelines within the organisation.

We have a group agreement in the peer support groups based on respect and confidentiality, safeguarding principles and equality inclusion, diversity and equity.

All staff have safeguarding training.

We monitor changes in mental health and safeguarding legislation.

14. What qualifications do the facilitators have?

We all have lived experience of trauma as well as training in counselling skills and complementary therapies.

We have all received professional peer tutor training through mental health charities and the NHS.

We are continually updating our knowledge and skills by attending courses, workshops and conferences.

15. Who it is not suitable for and why?

The group is not suitable for people who are in crisis, have drug and alcohol or Over The Counter (OTC) prescription addictions, or who are already in therapy.

If you have any questions or concerns please email us: admin@recoverycodex.org

For information about groups we're currently running go to our Groups page.