What is Peer Support ?
Peer support is an approach to building relationships that are mutual and genuine. Mutual means that something is only working if it’s working for both/all parties. Genuine means that we are going to show up ready to connect on a human-to-human level as a learner and not an expert. Peer support staff are chosen for their ability to relate and connect with others in part because of their life experience. They are able to relate to distress, marginalization, and oppression because they have been through it.
Peer Support May Be Helpful If Someone:
One-on-One Peer Support
*If you are seeking peer support or connection, please call the Pathways Vermont Support Line at (833) VT – TALKS or attend one of our virtual groups listed at the bottom of this page!
Pathways Vermont’s Peer Support Center is staffed by individuals who identify as having lived experience with issues such as mental health crises, trauma, substance use, and homelessness. Staff are trained to provide what is referred to as “peer support.” Peer Support is a service delivery distinct from traditional mental health services. The peer approach to services encourages individuals to draw from their own lived experience when connecting with and supporting others. This unique approach to relationships with service recipients has been proven effective in engaging individuals who might otherwise avoid mental health services and in promoting hope, resiliency, and well-being.
We are currently offering flexible individual peer support services, meeting one-on-one with folks in person or remotely. These meetings are held by staff and can be scheduled around an individual’s needs. If you’re interested in connecting for peer support and/or being added to the community newsletter, contact [email protected] or give us a call at 802-777-6185.
Facilitated Groups
We offer weekly facilitated Peer Support Groups via Zoom and In-Person. These groups are open to anyone over the age of 18 and are facilitated by Pathways staff. As a security measure for first-time attendees, we ask that you reach out to us directly to express interest in the group – [email protected] or 802-777-6185. If you would like to schedule a one-on-one peer support meeting with Peer Support Center staff, please email [email protected]
Disability Peer Support Group: Mondays from 1:15 pm – 2:45 pm EST | Hybrid group: In-person at 50 South Willard Street and on Zoom | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89286917729?pwd=6JRYCEtwA9dQlgpZFLudazkVqKxbTX.1 | The Disability Peer Support Group is a space for mutual support open to anybody who identifies as disabled, differently abled, or has a disability. Whether your disability is visible, invisible, physical, or cognitive, this group is for you!
Hearing Voices Group: Tuesdays 2:30 pm- 4:00 pm EST | Hybrid group: In-person at 50 South Willard Street and on Zoom | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83727970084?pwd=G3sqOyQQg5e4mPKgV8Q1VlvQuG4lsM.1https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83727970084?pwd=G3sqOyQQg5e4mPKgV8Q1VlvQuG4lsM.1#success | The Hearing Voices group upholds a fundamental belief that there are many ways to understand the experience of hearing voices and other unusual or extreme experiences. We seek to utilize this alternative approach to coping with emotional distress that is empowering and useful to those with lived experience or mental health challenges, and does not start from the assumption that we have a chronic illness. We are a peer support group that seeks to build mutual understanding about voice-hearing and other phenomena common to having lived experience or mental health challenges. We hope to empower each other through sharing our stories and those strategies and coping skills that have benefited us on our journeys.
Writing Circle: Tuesdays 4:00 pm-5:30 pm EST | Hybrid group: In-person at 50 South Willard Street and on Zoom | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/601343315 | The Writing Circle is a facilitated space for writing creatively in community with one another. Facilitators choose monthly themes, and folks get time to write and time to share during each meeting.
Anxiety Relief Group: Wednesdays 4:00 pm-5:30 pm EST | Zoom Group | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89850461015 | Anxiety Relief Group is a safe setting for relaxing and exploring your feelings with others through gentle socialization and self-expression, building up what makes you centered and strong.
Community Cooking: Wednesdays 6:00 pm-8:00 pm EST | Hosted at Outright Vermont (241 North Winooski Ave – entrance through the side door up the driveway) | Join Pathways staff and volunteers to cook a yummy meal together. Every week we chop vegetables, chat about our lives, and dance to music. The food we cook is first served to the chefs and volunteers, then to the Pathways Community Center and the Food Not Bombs daily free lunch. No cooking experience is necessary!
Open Studio with the Howard Center Arts Collective: Wednesdays (Starting on Feb. 25th) 10:00 am – 12:00 pm | In-person at 50 South Willard Street | The Arts Collective is an alternative arts program that promotes wellness, self-esteem, and dignity by providing a safe space to create art, exchange ideas, and connect with community. Join us each week for Open Studio to explore a variety of art supplies, start a new project, or experiment with something new at your own pace. All materials are provided! Open Studio is free and open to artists ages 18+ of all skill levels who have lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use challenges, and/or developmental disabilities – whether personally, through a loved one, or through their work. We strive to create a supportive, non-hierarchical community that fosters creative expression and empowerment.
Conversations About Suicide: Thursdays 3:45 pm- 4:45 pm EST | In-person at 50 South Willard Street and on Zoom | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87207795733?pwd=SISOzQfDp9cclYLzLjFtTvyAVatM7c.1#success | Conversations About Suicide is a judgment-free and open space to talk about personal experiences of suicidal ideation. The group is facilitated by peer support staff with lived experience of suicidality.
Dungeons and Dragons and Decompress Group: Thursdays 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST | In-person at 50 South Willard Street | Join us for a social space where you get to participate in a creative and thought-provoking game. D&D is a whimsical world-building game. It involves role-playing, storytelling, problem-solving, and whatever unique additions you bring to it. All are welcome, no experience necessary! If you’re curious and have never played, come by just to learn. We pride ourselves on having a fun and judgment-free space.
Open Studio with the Howard Center Arts Collective: Fridays 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm | In-person at 140 Mansfield Avenue | The Arts Collective is an alternative arts program that promotes wellness, self-esteem, and dignity by providing a safe space to create art, exchange ideas, and connect with community. Join us each week for Open Studio to explore a variety of art supplies, start a new project, or experiment with something new at your own pace. All materials are provided! Open Studio is free and open to artists ages 18+ of all skill levels who have lived experience with mental health challenges, substance use challenges, and/or developmental disabilities – whether personally, through a loved one, or through their work. We strive to create a supportive, non-hierarchical community that fosters creative expression and empowerment.
Laughter Yoga: The 1st and 3rd Friday of the month from 4:30 pm-5:30 pm EST | Hybrid group: In-person at 74 Main St in Burlington and on Zoom | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/995144322 | Laughter Yoga was founded in India in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, M.D., and his wife Madhuri, a yoga teacher. It combines gentle yogic breathing techniques with genuine, spontaneous laughter exercises. Dr. Kataria developed Laughter Yoga, inspired by several scientific papers he had read on the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of genuine, spontaneous laughter. Anyone can do this practice; no yoga mat or special clothing is required. Come as you are for a gentle, fun, easy, restorative session.
Mindfulness Meditation: Every 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 4:30 pm-5:30 pm EST | In-person at 74 Main St in Burlington | We hold an informal session of conversation and some quiet reflection. Bring a poem, song, story, or something else to inspire camaraderie, thoughtfulness, and peace.
Trauma Peer Support Group: Fridays 2:15 pm -3:15 pm EST | Hybrid group: In-person at 50 South Willard and on Zoom | https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84562240350?pwd=rXX8UuNSX50m6nBuZwCJLj0GQobrDN.1 | The trauma peer support group is an open space for folks to talk about trauma and its lasting impacts with peers who share lived experiences.
Upcoming Events
Peer Support Center staff aim to create a vibrant community that supports resilience through collective learning, creative exploration, and mutual support. Join us at an upcoming event! Click here to see the current month’s calendar.