7 minute read
Lived Experience
PEER SUPPORT GROUP
The Peer Support Group is a growing addition to EDQ’s line-up of support options. The group began in January 2020 in response to the scarcity of existing options for clients to connect with other people who have a shared experience of the recovery process.
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Peer Support Group is made up entirely of people with a lived experience of an eating disorder. People in the group have a whole range of eating disorders and range from the very beginning stages of seeking support for their eating disorder, all the way to long-term recovery.
Clients can choose to attend on a fortnightly basis, so there is no obligation to attend each session. The purpose of the group is to foster and support recovery and offer an opportunity to connect with others who are currently in recovery as well. We have created this group based on feedback from our existing clients that it would be nice to have a place to connect with peers, that provides a bit of a break from therapy but is still a supportive and safe environment. The group provides a support option for those who are on a waitlist for individual counselling or other services, ensuring that motivation for recovery is not lost due to lack of support. Our Lived Experience Speakers
From the program’s beginning as a fortnightly in-person group, we soon switched to a more frequent online meeting. This has proven to be a sustainable option, with Peer Support Group meeting 41 times in the last year. The increased frequency of the groups has been helpful in allowing clients to maintain community connections during a period of forced social isolation. We are also able to run the weekly groups at alternating times in order to accommodate differing schedules.
This year also saw a group member from the beginning, who started group in the later stages of recovery, go on to complete the Speaker/ Mentor training at EDQ and attend the group as a co-facilitator.
Group brainstorm during Peer Support Group
Feedback
“PSG means so much to me. As one of the first group members from the start of last year, and now as new Speaker, having this safe and welcoming space to share, reflect, experiment and offer assistance has truly “ helped me grow into my recovery and find my place in the EDQ community.”
Eating Disorders Queensland values the voices of those with lived experience and recognise the power in hearing someone who is in recovery share their story which has been echoed through the community. We have continued to run the Lived Experience Speaker Program which commenced in 2016 in response to requests from the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. The speaker program sits alongside the Peer Mentor Program (PMP) and Peer Support Group.
Speaking Training was facilitated on two occasions throughout the 2020/2021 year coinciding with Mentor Training for PMP. The training provides education on important concepts about being a speaker and provides space for those in recovery to structure and share their story alongside hear from a speaker’s experience.
Speakers have contributed to a variety of events through the year including training, EDQ groups and online platforms.
Quote from a Speaker:
“Now I am no longer seeking. Seeking to be heard and seen. I have found my place and I occupy it proudly. I used to desperately look for myself in others’ stories. And while I found connection, I never found myself. Now I notice I am no longer looking for myself because I am me. And I am here. And I am now.”
Speaker Profile: Lexi
1. Why did you first join the speaker program at EDQ?
I first joined the Speaker Program at EDQ because I believe in “once you know something, it is time to give back”. During my time with an eating disorder, there was not as much knowledge around eating disorders as there is today or nor did I know anyone who had been through something similar, so I wanted to join the speaker program when recovered to help create awareness and give hope that recovery is possible to those who are still in the midst.
2. What do you wish someone had told you about recovery?
I wish someone was able to tell me life was rewarding beyond the comprehension of the eating disorder. Being in the eating disorder thoughts were limited and rigid. I wish it could of be known there is a whole other world out there to explore that was far more beyond a world of rules and inflexible thoughts and that it was going to be worth the risk.
3. What have you learnt about yourself in recovery?
I have learnt I am a very creative person which was not the case in the eating disorder. I’ve learnt that recovery has made me far more equipped for a large and exciting life from the time I got to know myself at a very deep level through recovery. I’ve learnt to trust life and the ability of my own strength and resilience.
Feedback from client on Speaker Program:
The EDQ Peer Mentor Program (PMP) takes place twice per calendar year and aims to support people who are recovery from eating issues. In each program a selection of mentors will provide support for the mentee over a period of four to six months; a commitment to regular mentoring contact agreed to by the mentor and mentee for the duration of the program. Mentors are required to attend comprehensive training delivered by our PMP coordinator and participate in regular one-on-one supervision to provide an avenue to discuss their mentorship and boundaries, ensuring they remain safe throughout the program. The design and structure of the Peer Mentor Program is based on best practice national and international standards from other mentoring programs. Eating Disorders Practitioners Christophe and David both coordinated single rounds of the program.
During the 2021-22, PMP has continued to grow, demonstrated by increasing interest and registrations from wide range of mentors. This has resulted in an increasingly diverse range of mentors participating in the program. David and Christophe were amazed by the adaptability of all mentees and mentors as the program was impacted by the effects of COVID-19, in particular the numerous lockdowns that occurred. Their flexibility and commitment enabled the program to transition to an online platform to enable it to continue throughout the pandemic.
Round 2: July-December 2020 Feedback
Mentor: I think the nature of the mentoring role helped me to step out and take initiative where I often default to just going with the flow and being in the backseat. This somewhat changed my image of myself as someone who is fairly shy. I have noticed some change in how I interact with new people now and am slowly feeling more at ease in social situations. The experience has also confirmed my desire to work/ specialise in the field of eating disorders.
Mentee: It was hands down, the thing that has pulled me out of a pretty scary and possibly fatal depression. I am overwhelmed by the support and kindness given by EDQ and my mentor in particular. This program is wonderful, I cannot speak highly enough of it.
Mentee: It was an incredibly supportive program that helped pair me with somebody that was a real life example of someone who had beaten the things I struggle with on a daily basis. It has provided me access to somebody to talk to that is just eons more helpful than other friends and family in real life.
Round 1: February - July 2021 Feedback
Mentee: The best thing I could have done this year. It has made my recovery easier, given my hope and also, very importantly- friendship.
Mentee: She (mentor) was also very supportive of me and really encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. She was also unafraid to challenge me on certain viewpoints and topics where she saw fit and did so with a lot of respect and finesse- I found those challenges to be the most helpful and fruitful parts of our conversations.
Mentee: Through the program I learned to be open, honest and vulnerable when discussing my eating issues thoughts and behaviours with liked-minded people.
Mentor: It had me reflecting on own experiences and made me feel gratitude and pride for my journey and how far I have come.
Mentor: I came into this mentoring program to challenge myself and to make great connection I think the program fulfilled both.
Mentor: This experience has been amazing for my own personal growth and learning. Not only was I able to grow within myself, but I also feel great about being about to help my mentee to learn and grow from their ED and life experiences.
