Peer-led Mental Health Support Group
200 S Main
Fairfield, IA
Map to Event
October 24, 2026
2:00 pm · 4:00 pm
GROUP RULES:
Check in:
-Name and pronouns
-What emotions are you feeling right now?
Check out:
-What emotions are you feeling after everyone has shared?
-What needs were met by the meeting? What needs were NOT met by the meeting?
-How can this group meet your needs more effectively?
Purpose: This is a safe space to discuss our mental health, caring for our mental health, and challenges in caring for our mental health.
Meeting Agreements:
• We take turns sharing one at a time, passing the Speaking Stick clockwise. Only the person with the Speaking Stick may speak.
• Sharing in good faith is required (good-faith sharing is honest, values everyone’s needs, and respects differences and disagreements). We prohibit bigotry and/or discrimination based upon demographics including: race, ethnicity, birthplace, religion, spirituality, anatomy, disability, gender, sexual orientation, class, legal status, politics, etc.
• We use “I statements” to share our point of view while recognizing different views. Examples:
“I believe this happened,”
“I remember her saying this,”
“It seems to me that he was doing this,” etc.
• After sharing, you may ask others for feedback. If you do not want feedback, no one may provide feedback. After feedback is given, the Speaking Stick is passed to the next person waiting to share.
• The facilitator may need to ask someone to wrap up their share or feedback so everyone waiting to share will have time to share.
• We respect people's choices surrounding medication and diagnosis. We value self-determination and mutual support.
• While everyone has the right to refuse feedback, this group is also a safe space to call each other in — asking questions in good faith and sharing information to help meet everyone’s needs. We are all always learning.
• We respect the confidentiality of those here. Who you see here, what you hear here, let it stay here.
• This group is peer-led. It is NOT an alternative to professional mental health care. It is NOT designed to provide emergency services.
Note: These agreements borrow from the Wildfire/Mad Tea House Open Share meeting agreements. These agreements were adapted for this group by Dee Bosold.
Fall isn’t quite finished at Atwood’s!
October 23–25
