Support Services

Coming to the group for the first time:

Firstly, you are very welcome. We know it can feel daunting to join a new group, especially if you are feeling low or anxious in yourself. Other people in the group have had that experience and can understand. The facilitators will be there before the group begins, and can welcome you before the group officially starts. If you are new and would like to come along 5 minutes before to meet the facilitators and settle in first before the group starts, please know this is an option for all groups.

How it works:

When you join a Support & Self Care Group, you are greeted by two Aware Volunteer facilitators. Facilitators introduce themselves and explain the purpose of the group, talk through the guidelines, reminding you of the Confidentiality Policy.

The facilitators then invite everyone to introduce themselves and briefly say what brought them to the group e.g., I’m Tom/Mary and I’m experiencing anxiety. After introductions, the group will open for sharing. There is no pressure to speak.

After someone in the group shares their thoughts and feelings a facilitator may ask some questions to clarify what has been shared or reflect back what has been heard.  The facilitator asks the person sharing if they wish to hear reflections from the group and if so, asks the group for their thoughts and support. They briefly summarise support offered by the group before inviting others to share. A proactive approach is used throughout the group in which participants can express emotion, acknowledge feelings, question thoughts and beliefs and focus on helpful actions they can take.

Facilitators will manage the timing of the group, so that everyone who wishes to share and hear from the group can do so within the time.  Silences are common in groups while people gather their thoughts and if you find these difficult, please try taking a few slow breaths.

Coming to the group for the first time:

Firstly, you are very welcome. We know it can feel daunting to join a new group, especially if you are feeling low or anxious in yourself. Other people in the group have had that experience and can understand. The facilitators will be there before the group begins, and can welcome you before the group officially starts. If you are new and would like to come along 5 minutes before to meet the facilitators and settle in first before the group starts, please know this is an option for all groups.

How it works:

When you join a Support & Self Care Group, you are greeted by two Aware Volunteer facilitators. Facilitators introduce themselves and explain the purpose of the group, talk through the guidelines, reminding you of the Confidentiality Policy.

The facilitators then invite everyone to introduce themselves and briefly say what brought them to the group e.g., I’m Tom/Mary and I’m experiencing anxiety. After introductions, the group will open for sharing. There is no pressure to speak.

After someone in the group shares their thoughts and feelings a facilitator may ask some questions to clarify what has been shared or reflect back what has been heard.  The facilitator asks the person sharing if they wish to hear reflections from the group and if so, asks the group for their thoughts and support. They briefly summarise support offered by the group before inviting others to share. A proactive approach is used throughout the group in which participants can express emotion, acknowledge feelings, question thoughts and beliefs and focus on helpful actions they can take.

Facilitators will manage the timing of the group, so that everyone who wishes to share and hear from the group can do so within the time.  Silences are common in groups while people gather their thoughts and if you find these difficult, please try taking a few slow breaths.