End of SMSRC's Online Peer Support Discussion Platform Service Via Togetherall
February 27, 2024 – Defence Stories
The Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Centre (SMSRC), in collaboration with Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC), offers a peer support program for people affected by sexual misconduct and/or military sexual trauma (MST). Togetherall’s anonymous online peer support discussion platform service will come to an end on March 29, 2024.
Since June 2022, SMSRC has had a contract with Togetherall to provide an anonymous online platform for people in the Defence community affected by sexual misconduct and/or MST. As the contract ends, we are committed to getting a better understanding of the community’s needs. We invite everyone to express their interest in participating in the SMSRC’s Community Consultations initiative to receive further information on when we will start consultations for peer support services.
We want to acknowledge that this end of service will have an impact on those that have been using Togetherall. Although the online peer support group discussion platform will no longer be available, other peer support services are available to people affected by sexual misconduct and/or MST through the SMSRC Peer Support program. They include the Formal Peer Support Group offering up to 10, 90-minute virtual peer support sessions co-facilitated by a trained peer facilitator with lived experience of sexual misconduct and/or MST and a mental health professional who ensure a nurturing environment for both participants and the facilitator.
In April 2024, the Peer Support Program will be launching an Informal Peer Support Group service that will offer approximately eight, 90-minute virtual group sessions in an open, drop-in style, confidential space, co-facilitated by trained peer facilitators with lived experience of sexual misconduct and/or MST.
If you would like to learn about other peer support offerings that are available, please contact the SMSRC’s 24/7 line at 1-844-750-1648 or email the Peer Support Program at SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca.
We remain committed to providing service that effectively meet the community’s needs. For more information, please visit the Peer Support Program webpage or email SMSRCPSP-CSRISPSP@forces.gc.ca.