Peer Support - Youth

Service Description

The Youth Peer Support Group is a safe, inclusive space designed for individuals aged 18 to 25. During this pivotal age group, we often experience significant life transitions and experiences unique to this period. The Youth Peer Support Group provides a safe and inclusive space for the youth to explore topics relevant to their age group, including self-identity, transitions, relationships, and personal growth. The group offers a supportive environment where members can speak freely, listen, share their stories, and cultivate meaningful connections with others. Facilitated by individuals with lived experience, the group aims to empower young adults to reflect on their thoughts and actions, communicate their feelings effectively, and leave each session feeling less alone. We hope this space reminds you that being yourself is always enough. Each session begins with a lived experience expert introducing a topic relevant to the youth community. The topics discussed are relevant to the challenges faced by youth, including self-identity, connection, social media, attachment styles, friendships etc. Group discussions follow, where members are encouraged to share their thoughts, perspectives, and personal journeys. The facilitator ensures that everyone has a chance to contribute and guides the discussion in a supportive atmosphere. The sessions also adapt to participants’ needs, incorporating suggestions on themes they wish to explore. The group fosters a free-flowing discussion, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to share if they wish, while also respecting individual preferences for silence. Sessions start and end on time; participants are asked to arrive 5 minutes early. Latecomers beyond 10 minutes will not be allowed to join. The group follows a structured format, beginning with ground rules before diving into discussions prompted by starter questions. Confidentiality is prioritized—information shared during the session can be used, but the identities of speakers or participants must not be disclosed. All sessions conclude with a grounding technique, such as meditation, to help participants reflect and leave the session feeling supported. These sessions are not a replacement for therapy, but we do have resources available that can help with additional support as needed.