FAQ

Both options are available:

Virtual Groups: Held nearly every night of the week via Zoom, allowing you to join from anywhere in the world.

In-Person Groups: Available for those who prefer to connect with others face-to-face.

No. The public virtual groups run nearly every night of the week and are open to anyone, anywhere in the world.

Yes, there are private virtual groups specifically designated for Ontario Government employees.

Yes.

Simply being present in the room or on the Zoom call is entirely acceptable.

There is zero pressure to speak if you are not ready.

Observing helps many newcomers realize that they are not alone and that many others are in the exact same boat.

(please do remember, however, that for on-line meetings we required your video to be on, even if you are not sharing)

No. Sharing is completely optional.

You are welcome to attend just to listen and be around people who understand what you are going through.

To get the specific dates and times for these private meetings, you must email VoicesForMentalHealth@ontario.ca.

To attend either a virtual or in-person public group, click the “Connect NOW” link on the website to join the online community, where you can select your preferred meeting and access the necessary links.

We do not:

• Ask other members questions – if a member wishes to share something they can do so, but we should not ask questions which might force them to disclose things they do not wish to.
• Have conversations – feel free to make friends and have conversations AFTER the group.
• Multitask – the groups are for support, and if others feel you are not paying attention to them it affects the support provided.
• Tell people what they “should” do – none of us is a professional, so we do not tell others what to do.

Remember, for on-line meetings, please keep your video on – it is important that all members feel supported, and a blank screen can make people feel uncomfortable. We recognize that for some it is uncomfortable to be at a meeting on-line and have your camera on, however, please consider how the in person meetings would work: everyone would be seated in a circle looking at each other. The “video on” rule simply mimics that approach for the on-line community.

Meetings last for approximately one hour.

During this time, you have the opportunity to share how your mental wellness has been affecting you lately.

If you choose to share, you can receive empathy and feedback from other members who have experienced similar challenges.

While structures vary slightly between virtual and in-person settings, a standard meeting follows this general flow:
• Welcome & Grounding: Introduction to the group guidelines and a reminder that privacy is paramount.
• Sharing: Members take turns talking about how their mental wellness has impacted their life recently.
• Empathy & Feedback: If a sharing member requests it, other attendees offer constructive, lived-experience feedback regarding what worked for them in similar situations.

Sharing is your personal time to voice your current struggles or triumphs without interruption.

Feedback is strictly non-judgmental and optional. It is not advice or dynamic counselling; rather, it is a peer stating, “When I had that challenge, I found ‘X’ helped.”

A PEER meeting is run by someone who has had a mental wellness challenge themselves, has gotten into a better “head space” and is committed to helping others.  They have received training about how to run meetings, and most have Mental Health First Aid training.

Feedback in the groups consists of members sharing what strategies or tools worked for them when they faced a similar situation (e.g., “When I had that challenge, I found ‘X’ helped”), and providing empathy.

No. Privacy is paramount, and these groups are strictly confidential.

Your employer will not know who is attending or what is being discussed.