The Mental Health Peer Support Groups of Northeast Mississippi has various guidelines for the peace of mind, privacy, and protection of all of its members as well as the location of our meetings.

1. What is said here, stays here.

All members who participate in our meetings are required to respect the confidentiality and privacy of all group members. Everything that is said in the group is to stay within the group.

The only exception to this guideline is if anyone in the group is actively in a mental health crisis and is at risk of hurting themselves or others. In the event that you experience a mental health crisis, a Group Facilitator will follow the guidelines you specify on your Crisis Management Form.

2. All members are equal.

All members of the group are equal and should be treated equally.

3. This is a safe place to share.

Everyone in the group must treat each other with respect, kindness, and compassion.

4. Differences of opinion are okay.

Everyone is welcome and entitled to their own opinion and point of view during our group discussions. Please respect the opinions and point of view of all other members, even if you don’t like or approve of it.

5. Share the air.

Everyone who wishes to share during our meetings is welcome to, though no one person should monopolize the group time.

6. One person speaks at a time.

Each person should be allowed to speak free from interruption and side conversations. It is okay to contribute to the conversation, but please don’t frequently interrupt someone when they are trying to share.

7. Bullying and other hateful behavior will not be tolerated.

Bullying and other hateful behavior is absolutely not tolerated in our groups. This includes hurtful language, disrespectful comments, and personal attacks. If you witness or suspect this type of behavior, please report it to a Group Facilitator immediately.

8. Respect the location of our meetings.

Please respect our meeting location, regardless of where we meet. This includes speaking and behaving responsibly, no damaging or stealing property that does not belong to you, and disposing of any trash appropriately.

If you damage or steal any property that belongs to our meeting location, you alone are solely responsible for any damages. In the event that you damage or steal any property that does not belong to you, you will not be welcome back to the group until you resolve any damages that you are responsible for.