As we continue to navigate this ever-changing time, it is especially important that we therapists take some time to reflect on how we are being impacted by Covid-19, and to take stock of what we are doing to ensure that we are looking after our whole selves: physical, emotional, spiritual, work and social. It is not only necessary, it is also ethically responsible to keep our self-care practice to the fore. Drawing on research and my experience of running peer support groups and self-care workshops, this will be an interactive evening, and through discussion and exercises there will be an opportunity for members to explore and share their ideas about self-care.

Anne Ford, MSW, MBACP, is the founder of Connect Peer Support and has over thirty-eight years of experience in training Peer Supporters, Peer Support Trainers (therapists) and running peer support groups.  In addition, she runs workshops and groups that focus on self-care and wellbeing. During this time, Anne has worked extensively in the higher education field, where she was both a counsellor and developed and ran the Oxford University Peer Support Programme through the University Counselling Service. She has published two Peer Support Training Manuals – one for higher education and one for schools – and has written numerous articles on the topic. Anne is passionate about empowering people through the development of communication, listening and support skills to improve wellbeing and connectedness and to increase a sense of belonging through building inclusive communities. She primarily works with groups. www.connectpeersupport.com