Trained guides
Help well, not just often
For members who came through something and want to be there for people at the start. Six short lessons, then a scenario check. About ten minutes.
Lesson 1
Listen first
Most people want to be heard before they want advice. Reflect back what you hear, ask what would help, and let them lead.
Lesson 2
Share, don’t prescribe
Tell what helped you as your own experience: “what helped me was…”, not “you should…”. Every situation is different.
Lesson 3
When it sounds serious
Take any mention of suicide or harm seriously. Say you’re glad they told you, share a crisis line, and press “This sounds serious” so our team knows. Never promise to keep it secret.
Lesson 4
Privacy and boundaries
Keep conversations on SupportMeet. Never ask for or share phone numbers, addresses or workplaces, and gently suggest removing them if someone posts them.
Lesson 5
You’re a peer, not a professional
For medicines, diagnoses, legal or money decisions, share your experience if it helps, then point people to a professional or a listed service.
Lesson 6
Look after yourself
Hard conversations take something out of you. Take a breather from requests whenever you need it, and come back when you’re ready.