Stronger support systems that last longer

What if I told you there is a safer space where you can share your experience without fear, shame, guilt or prejudice? Sounds pretty awesome, right?

Well, it might be closer than you think…

What are support groups?

So first things first: What are support groups actually? Support groups are gatherings where people share their personal experiences and concerns. In the meetings, you can provide and receive emotional support and share coping strategies with one another.

Support groups are run by people for people and can be about a wide range of topics! Whatever the topic is, the goal of support groups is to create a sense of support, recognition and acceptance with its participants (not to be confused with group therapy which is focused on changing one’s behaviour).

How does it work?

At heard. seen & safe., we believe in the power of community. You don’t have to figure out everything by yourself and there is so much to learn from other people’s experiences. So how does it work?

Although support groups can take place both in-person and online, due to the pandemic we have decided to choose safety first and organize online support groups only until further notice. Here are some benefits to consider:

• You can join the support group from wherever you are, all you need is a working connection
• You can choose a place of your preference where you can feel truly comfortable and at ease
• No commuting time or costs
• 100% Pandemic proof

Each session revolves around a certain theme, phenomenon or question. You can apply to a session by using the contact form on this page. A personal invitation to the online session will be sent to your email as well as some house rules that will ensure the safety and comfort of all participants.

Make sure you read the description of the sessions well so you sign up for the group that fits your needs best. Questions about the process or the descriptions? No problem. All questions can be sent to hello@heardseenandsafe.space with subject ‘Question’ or simply by filling in the form below!

How do I know if it’s something for me?

Have you ever felt misunderstood by your environment? Or felt alone in dealing with your mental health or that of a loved one? Would you like to seek professional help but don’t know where to start? Or would you simply like to educate yourself more on the subject? Then these support groups might be just what you need.

The support groups are about specific topics that can bring together people suffering from differing diagnosis. But support groups don’t only benefit people struggling with their mental health. They can also bring much-needed relief and support to those who have the sometimes hard task of taking care of a diagnosed parent, sibling, friend or significant.

Our decentralized and decolonial approach makes our support groups fit for everyone who feels like they need it. Simply put, you don’t need to be officially diagnosed to join the groups.

Best of all, the sessions are completely free of charge thanks to everyone’s voluntary efforts and mutual aid working on the project. This allows us to work truthfully on our mission: making mental health support affordable, accessible and inclusive for everyone in need.

Want to stay up to date on upcoming support groups? Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on our social channels.

Background about the project

Through the internet, younger generations worldwide are more connected, information is more accessible, and knowledge around mental health is increasing. This increase in awareness is also visible in Morocco. However, with only 34 psychiatric facilities on 34 million citizens, resources are scarce, to say the least. Not only do we now see that the offer of mental health care doesn’t match its increasing demand, oftentimes this care is inaccessibly expensive or unsafe for marginalized communities.

This is where heard. seen. and safe. comes in. Set up as an independent grassroots project that operates from a mutual aid structure, we can offer our participants the highest level of confidentiality. Not depending on any external interests by funders, our care is focused solely on the well-being and safety of those who confide in us.

If you have any questions about the structure or you would like to get in touch to help out, get in touch using the form below!