The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) has started Online Peer Support Communities (OPSC), which is a national, peer focused program that provides individuals, who have experienced a natural or human-caused disaster, opportunities to come together for mutual aid, to share trusted resources, and to help one another heal from the effects of a traumatic event. The program is currently offered online via Private Facebook Groups, and is monitored 24/7/365 by a dedicated Crisis Center to provide support to members who may be experiencing emotional distress and need additional support.
DDH OPSCs include trained “Peer Supporters” employed by Vibrant Emotional Health and who are of the community, available to engage with members who want to connect with others who have gone through similar disaster experiences. Peer Supporters are not problem solvers; they are compassionate allies that are available to offer encouragement, validation, and their own lived experience as a way to help others get through a difficult time.
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