Peer Support

Description of service

The Men's Centre has been running a men's peer support group since 2002, providing a place for men who wish to share their thoughts, ideas and experiences in an informal, safe and confidential environment. The group is led by the counsellor/group worker and meets every second Monday between 10.00am and 12.30pm. Refreshments are provided.

Approach

Group members decide themselves what they need to have in a group which is safe for them and meets their needs; for example, agreements about confidentiality, punctuality, giving one another space to talk and listen. Using a participatory, non-directive and strengths-based approach, group leaders encourage the men to 'own' the group, take the initiative to respond to each other's experiences and explore ideas, suggestions and solutions. 'Strengths-based' simply means that people have strengths, abilities and interests which are resources they can use with the issues and problems that have brought them to the group.

Costs

At present, this is a free service, although provision may be made within the next 12 months for contributions by service users with capacity to pay. It's expected that we will use a sliding scale based on income, but fees will always be negotiable.

Admission criteria

No specific criteria.

Vacancies and Waiting Lists

The group is limited to eight permanent members. Once the group is full, men may be put on a waiting list, and entry to the group will then be considered on a needs basis by the counsellor/group leader. A second group may be established in the near future, depending on demand and funding. For information about vacancies and waiting lists, please contact the counsellor/group worker Greg Aldridge or email grega@menscentre.com.au or phone (02) 6230 6999 during office hours.

Referral process

Call the Men's Centre on (02) 6230 6999 or complete a referral form and send it to the Canberra Men's Centre at the address on the contact us page. Requests will be considered by the counsellor/group worker, subject to existing waiting lists and prioritizing of needs for everyone referred. At this point, any man interested in joining the group will have a meeting with one of the group leaders, and together they will decide whether the group is suitable for him.

For more information on our Counselling Services click here