“A safe place where everyone has a voice.”

Support Persons

Partners and Support Persons Program

Program Overview

This monthly online support group is specifically for the partners/support persons of survivors who are currently registered, attending, or have completed a Phase 1 program at The Gatehouse. The group provides a safe and supportive environment for exploring topics related to supporting survivors of childhood sexual abuse, such as managing feelings of isolation, understanding the impact of trauma, and building supportive relationships.

Through guided discussions and shared experiences, participants work on enhancing their coping strategies and finding comfort in community support. Meetings are held online for 2 hours, typically on the last Monday of each month (excluding summer and certain holidays), and offer a space to connect, share, and have their voices heard.

The goal of the Support Persons program is to achieve the following outcomes on our Theory of Transformation:

  • Acknowledge What Happened
  • Be With and Connect With Others
 
Requirements
Risks/Benefits

Registrants must be a partner/support person of a survivor who is currently registered, attending, or has completed the Phase 1 program at The Gatehouse.

For full details, see the “How to Apply” section below.

Participants share their experiences with various topics impacting relationships, including triggers, inner child, addictions, boundaries, shame/guilt, and moving forward. Discussions may involve sharing individual perceptions and core beliefs. Such self-exploration may evoke feelings of fear, sadness, and anxiousness.

It is strongly recommended that participants have a support network outside of The Gatehouse, such as other peers, therapy, or social work support.

Additional Resources:

  • To search for additional mental health support in your community, check out the e-mental health website here.
  • For a list of crisis numbers in Ontario click here.
  • For a list of Domestic-Intimate-Partner-Violence-Resources in Ontario click here.

How to Apply

Step 1: Download the Support Persons/Partners Program intake form as a fillable PDF using the button below.

Step 2: Complete the intake form and email it to Jasmine Lem, Program Assistant.

Download

Download an intake form here to get started.

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants who have previously completed the Support Persons/Partners Program may be wait-listed.

Please note: it may take up to two weeks for an intake meeting to be scheduled.

Program Details

Where

The Support Persons/Partners Program program is only offered online via Zoom meetings. 

  • Scheduling: Groups are available throughout the year.
  • Contact: For questions, please reach out to Jasmine at Jasmine@thegatehouse.org.

There is no cost to participate in this program; it is offered free of charge.

Please note: The following group dates may change slightly due to volunteer facilitator availability. Group dates will be confirmed via email to registrants.

Questions? If you have any questions about the Support Persons/Partners Program, please email Jasmine Lem, Program Assistant.

New to online meetings? Check out Participants – Tips to Enhance Peer Support Group Meetings.