Building Sustainable Peer Support at True North Collective
Taking Time to Get It Right
At True North Collective, we're building something different with our peer support groups. It might not seem like we're moving quickly, but that's intentional. We're taking the time to create a model of peer support that's truly sustainable – one that supports both the people who join our groups and the facilitators who help run them.
What Makes Our Approach Different? It's About Connection, Not Crisis Management
Our peer support groups will be spaces where people can share experiences without judgement. They'll be focused on connection, supporting each other, and reducing isolation. Importantly, facilitators are not therapists, crisis responders, or problem-solvers. They're there to be present, caring, and to help hold the structure of the group so everyone can contribute and benefit.
The Three-Facilitator Model
We're working towards a model where each group has three facilitators who rotate weekly, with one staying for two consecutive sessions to maintain continuity. Why? Because we've seen how burnout happens when one or two people carry everything. This rotation system means:
No single facilitator becomes overwhelmed
Groups don't collapse if someone needs time away
Facilitators can take breaks when life gets challenging
The group remains stable and sustainable long-term
We're transparent that we don't yet have three facilitators for every planned group, but we're actively working towards this goal. Your wellbeing matters to us, and we won't ask you to carry more than is sustainable.
Supporting Our Facilitators
We know that holding space for others requires proper support. That's why we provide:
Regular supervision with our directors
A buddy system for post-session debriefs
On-call director support available by phone during sessions
Clear safeguarding pathways so you're never managing a crisis alone
Professional training – we're seeking funding for counsellor skills training (covering counselling skills, safeguarding, group dynamics, boundaries, and suicide awareness)
Joining as a Member: You Won't Be Dropped in the Deep End
We understand that walking into a room full of strangers can be daunting, especially when you're already struggling. That's why we've created a gentle onboarding process.
Before you join a group, you'll meet with one of our directors or facilitators. This gives you:
A chance to understand what the groups are about and see if they're right for you
Help finding us (particularly on dark evenings – we're halfway up Woodville Road in Keighley, and we know we can be a bit tricky to find!)
An introduction to the ground rules that ensure everyone is welcomed and feels heard
Answers to any questions or concerns you might have
You're not just a number to us. We want to make sure peer support is the right fit for you before you walk through the door.
What Happens in a Session?
Our sessions will typically run 90-120 minutes weekly and include:
Welcome and ground rules
Check-in
Open sharing (with no advice given unless requested)
Optional themed discussions (our counselling team can help provide presentations)
Closing reflections
Facilitator debrief
The focus is always on shared experience and mutual support, not on fixing each other's problems.
Recent Wins
We're excited to share that we've just secured £1,200 to cover room rental for our Bingley group for the next year, and we're working on improving our website to help connect better with potential members. We're also out in the community at events like WoolCity Rockers, Bradford Live, spreading the word about True North Collective.
Get Involved
Whether you're interested in becoming a facilitator or joining a peer support group, we want to hear from you.
Want to volunteer as a facilitator?
Check out our open vacancies page and see our facilitator handbook for more information.
Interested in joining a group? Get in touch, and we'll arrange a time to meet so you can learn more and see if it's the right fit.
Contact us: Email: richard.pierce@truenorthcollective.com
We're not rushing because we're building something that lasts. Peer support that truly supports everyone involved – that's what True North Collective is all about.
