A friend tells you about their relationship woes. Your mind races with questions. Are they being abused? Should you say something? You wonder what to do. You worry about being intrusive. You’re not sure that what you say can really help at all.

Sounds familiar?

Come to this training session by experienced peer support trainer Jolanda Nava and learn how to create safe, non-judgmental spaces for your friends to share their feelings, work through any self-blame or shame, explore the choices available to them and make decisions about their situations.

This workshop will give you the tools to be an effective listener and empower you to support the people you care about. You will get the chance to:

1. Learn the skill and importance of “active listening”
2. Know what not to say
3. Understand the difference between giving advice and providing options
4. Practice constructive ways of responding in different scenarios, including sexual harassment, abusive relationships and bullying.

Why is this important?

Too many people feel they can’t speak up – or act against – abuse, assault and harassment in their lives. Violations against them happen in private spaces, behind closed doors, where police cars don’t patrol and the state shies away from interfering. It seems like nothing can be done.

But we – as family, friends, colleagues, classmates or neighbours – can change this, by creating an environment of support for those around us who are violated. We have the potential to be a great resource to someone in crisis.

Details

Date: 10 October 2015 (Saturday)
Time: 1pm-4pm
Venue: AWARE Centre, 5 Dover Crescent, #01-22, Singapore 130005

Register here.

About the trainer:
Jolanda is a We Can! Change Maker who has been training and serving as a peer supporter since 2012. She started a peer counselling group in her university (Yale-NUS) and the group now comprises 15 trained students and offers a drop-in service every weeknight. Jolanda also has extensive experience facilitating conversations in big and small groups.

Register now for this free training and take a further step towards creating safe, supportive communities. Slots are limited!

*Note: Peer counselling is NOT a substitute for professional counselling. We believe it is important for individuals to receive support from their communities as well as have access to the professional services they require.