Survivors of Abuse Recovering Society (Peer Supporting Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse)

Organization Name: Survivors of Abuse Recovering Society
Opportunity Title: Peer Supporting Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Category: Counselling / Support / Mentoring
Commitment: Ongoing Opportunity (> 1 year)
Start Date: December 8, 2023
End Date: December 31, 2099

Email: coordinator@survivorsofabuserecovering.ca
Website: https://survivorsofabuserecovering.ca
Details:

• Background/police check required
• Appropriate for volunteers aged between 18 and 55
• Appropriate for volunteers aged 55 and over
• Training or orientation required

Opportunity Description:

Currently, all peer support, one-on-one or group, is offered online. The training is also online. It is pen to all Nova Scotians across the province. All Peer Supporters must themselves be adult survivors of childhood (0-18 yrs) sexual abuse and are assessed for suitability before acceptance into our program. We offer support to, and need peer supporters of, all genders. We encourage male survivors to apply. Peer supporters are not professionals or therapists and cannot give any medical or psychological advice. A peer supporter is expected to offer confidentiality, a good listening ear and a non-judgmental approach. Through training and personal experiences, a peer supporter understands difficulties and can provide empathy, guidance, support and access to resources such as reading materials and techniques to help one through a stressful time. A peer supporter is taught to offer a survivor: – Respectful listening – Acceptance – Confidentiality – Understanding – Hope – Reassurance that one is not alone – Strategies and information to help one feel more in control S.O.A.R. offers a free 16-session online (via Zoom) peer support training for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse of all genders who have progressed sufficiently in their recovery that they feel ready to assist others in healing. The next training will be held on alternate Saturdays, starting Jan 13th, 2024 and finishing April 20th, 2024. Deadline to apply is December 9th, 2023. Trainees must attend all 16 sessions to receive a certificate of completion. Volunteer Peer Supporters are asked to commit at least two years following the end of training.