Dear Professional,
Thank you for your interest in the VOICE initiative. As a new type of support group and community it makes sense to want to know more as you make your clients and friends aware of the group.
To start, the most oft-asked question answered: There is no referral process. Simply make people aware and let them choose.
Next most common question: Will this be a good thing for participants? Well, yes.
We can be comfortable with the constructive tone and 'safety' of the folks participating in VOICE as the format and approach of VOICE will be based on the lessons learned during the success of the C.A.S.T. ( Come and Sit Together ) independent trauma & addiction support groups which thrived in Peel and Halton regions 2000 to 2007 when they merged with a larger independent mutual aid group. Regehr spent most of 1999 designing the group by talking to folks who would use it and addiction/mental health professionals. The group launched in Jan 2000. By 2005 there were 4 main groups, a women's group and a family group. The format, ground rules and group culture was sustainable and proven over the years. It was designed with input and participation of folks in recovery based on what they had experienced in the 12 step meetings as well as in agency aftercare and alumni meetings. Every year in February there was a large meeting where every detail of the group functioning was thrown open for review and approval by the participants. In the first years there were some good clarifications of wording and in the later years there were small changes to allow for growing numbers.
For example, the 'Ground Rules' are all directly about respect and common sense. These are read allowed at the beginning of each meeting.
VOICE will develop its own unique Statement of Intent and group meeting process as we grow.
Until VOICE is settled with capable grounded people at the helm, Regehr will be at each meeting.
After developing and maintaining the CAST Groups for years Regehr spoke about it's success at various events and taught at an annual OSHNET conference (Ontario Self Help Network) about how to build and maintain an independent mutual aid group.
Also, though some people in recovery are vulnerable, people like us start book clubs, bowling leagues, meditation circles etc all of the time. We talk about our burdens and mysteries to each other in front of 7-11, over coffee or in the laundromat.
To talk about important life issues in a dedicated space where comfort and respect are paramount is something I hope we can support.
When the Statement of Intent is settled on we will likely have a meeting and invite health and helping professionals for coffee, maybe even cake! We'll see what they choose to do.
If you have any comments or questions please do let us know. These questions and concerns are very helpful to us as it helps us plan outward communications and the FAQ on the web page etc.
Thanks very much. Yours, in the third person, and first,
but both sincerely,
Tom Regehr
[email protected]
705-749-6145
To start, the most oft-asked question answered: There is no referral process. Simply make people aware and let them choose.
Next most common question: Will this be a good thing for participants? Well, yes.
We can be comfortable with the constructive tone and 'safety' of the folks participating in VOICE as the format and approach of VOICE will be based on the lessons learned during the success of the C.A.S.T. ( Come and Sit Together ) independent trauma & addiction support groups which thrived in Peel and Halton regions 2000 to 2007 when they merged with a larger independent mutual aid group. Regehr spent most of 1999 designing the group by talking to folks who would use it and addiction/mental health professionals. The group launched in Jan 2000. By 2005 there were 4 main groups, a women's group and a family group. The format, ground rules and group culture was sustainable and proven over the years. It was designed with input and participation of folks in recovery based on what they had experienced in the 12 step meetings as well as in agency aftercare and alumni meetings. Every year in February there was a large meeting where every detail of the group functioning was thrown open for review and approval by the participants. In the first years there were some good clarifications of wording and in the later years there were small changes to allow for growing numbers.
For example, the 'Ground Rules' are all directly about respect and common sense. These are read allowed at the beginning of each meeting.
VOICE will develop its own unique Statement of Intent and group meeting process as we grow.
Until VOICE is settled with capable grounded people at the helm, Regehr will be at each meeting.
After developing and maintaining the CAST Groups for years Regehr spoke about it's success at various events and taught at an annual OSHNET conference (Ontario Self Help Network) about how to build and maintain an independent mutual aid group.
Also, though some people in recovery are vulnerable, people like us start book clubs, bowling leagues, meditation circles etc all of the time. We talk about our burdens and mysteries to each other in front of 7-11, over coffee or in the laundromat.
To talk about important life issues in a dedicated space where comfort and respect are paramount is something I hope we can support.
When the Statement of Intent is settled on we will likely have a meeting and invite health and helping professionals for coffee, maybe even cake! We'll see what they choose to do.
If you have any comments or questions please do let us know. These questions and concerns are very helpful to us as it helps us plan outward communications and the FAQ on the web page etc.
Thanks very much. Yours, in the third person, and first,
but both sincerely,
Tom Regehr
[email protected]
705-749-6145