HEY! IT’S NICE TO HAVE YOU HERE TODAY 
KINDLY GIVE THIS A READ.
CODE OF ETHICS
 Maintaining confidentiality. Group members leave only with the shared
knowledge and wisdom of group members’ lived experiences rather than
names or other personal information that would identify people.
 Recognizing that thoughts and feelings are neither right nor wrong.
 Not being judgemental or critical of other members, and will showing
acceptance.
 Having the right to share feelings or not. People should be encouraged to
speak during the meetings, but if they wish just to “be there” at times the
group will accept that.
 Having empathy (fully comprehending the impact, having experienced the
situation)
 Having awareness of not overstepping each other’s boundaries and should
promote empowerment to encourage independence, not dependence.
 Appreciating that each person’s feelings are unique to that person and need
to respect and accept what members have in common and what is specific to
each individual.
 Respecting the right of all the members to have equal time to express
themselves, and to do so without interruption. However, allowing people who
may be in crisis to have more time to talk through their issues.
HOW TO BE A GOOD GROUP MEMBER
 Ask people if they want advice or a suggestion before you give it.
 Know that some people can be very intense and goal-oriented.
 Neglect, malpractice or abuse.
 Understand that people in the group will be at different stages.
 Realize that people do not have to like everyone else in the group.
 Realize that peer support groups cannot solve all personal problems.