Safe Space Guidelines

1. Respect each other's privacy and confidentiality: It's important to create a space where people feel safe to share their experiences and feelings without fear of judgment or reprisal. 

2. Listen without judgment: People may have different experiences and beliefs about mental health, recovery, and treatment. It's important to listen to each other's perspectives without judging or dismissing them.

3. Avoid giving unsolicited advice: While attendees may want to help each other, giving unsolicited advice can come across as dismissive or insensitive. It is ok to ask before giving advice and to respect each other's boundaries if someone isn't receptive.

4. Be aware of triggering topics: Trauma and mental illness can be sensitive topics, and certain words or situations can be triggering for some attendees. It is important to be mindful of what we are sharing and to check in with others before bringing up potentially triggering topics.

5. Avoid asking invasive questions: While some participants are happy to share their story, asking invasive questions can provoke unsettling emotions and create a barrier in conversation.

6. Be respectful of others' physical space: Some people may be uncomfortable with physical contact or may need extra space. We want to respect each other's personal boundaries and to ask before initiating physical contact.

7. Respect ‘No’. Consent is imperative, and so when asking anything of anyone, respect that no is a full sentence.

8. Use respectful language: Language is powerful, and certain words or phrases can be hurtful or stigmatizing. We aim to use respectful language that is inclusive and sensitive to diverse experiences and backgrounds. With this, we ask to refrain from sharing talk of sexual relations, violence, political standing or religious beliefs. 

9. Exercise personal responsibility: We each have a responsibility to ourselves and others to adhere to these guidelines, which includes supporting our own personal boundaries and removing oneself from any triggering environments or conversations.

10. Report any violations of the guidelines that impact our safe space to a staff member: Even with the best intentions, conflicts or violations of the guidelines may arise. This helps to ensure that everyone can feel heard, safe and supported in the group.

WE WILL NOT ACCEPT ANY FORM OF VIOLENCE, BULLYING OR HARASSMENT, INCLUDING THREATS OF VIOLENCE AND ANY MEANS OF EMOTIONAL OR PHYSICAL HARM.