Thriving & Surviving
We exist to enable survivors of current and historical sexual abuse and incest to live safe lives in which they can recover and thrive.
We Listen, We Believe, We Empower
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You Won’t Be the First to Feel This Way
Healing doesn’t have to happen alone.
Taking the first step towards joining a support group can feel like one of the hardest parts of recovery.
Many of the men who now attend SAIL’s Men’s Support Group have told us they nearly didn’t come. They worried about talking in front of strangers, being judged, or whether they would fit in.
Those feelings are completely normal.
Whether you’ve spoken about your experiences before or this would be the first time, you’ll be welcomed into a safe, confidential and trauma-informed environment where you’re free to participate at your own pace.
- You don’t have to have the right words.
- You don’t have to tell your whole story.
- You don’t even have to speak.
Sometimes, simply being in a room with people who understand can be the first step towards feeling less alone.
It’s OK to feel
Be Kind to yourself
Before You Come…
It’s common to wonder whether a support group is right for you.
You may have found yourself thinking:
- “What if I don’t fit in?”
- “What if I’m the youngest… or the oldest?”
- “What if everyone else is further along than me?”
- “What if I get emotional?”
- “Do I have to tell my whole story?”
- “What if I don’t know what to say?”
- “Maybe my experiences weren’t serious enough…”
- “What if people judge me?”
If you’ve had any of these thoughts…
You won’t be the first to feel this way.
What Happens at a Men’s Group?
Every group is a little different, but you can expect:
- A warm welcome from experienced facilitators.
- A confidential and respectful environment.
- Opportunities to share—but no pressure to do so.
- Time to listen to others if that’s all you want to do.
- Discussions around recovery, wellbeing and coping.
- Space to ask questions, reflect and connect.
The group is facilitated by trained professionals who work in a trauma-informed way, helping to create an environment where everyone feels respected, heard and safe.
Asking for help is not a weakness
Voices from the Men’s Group
All feedback taken within the group is anonymous.
“It made me feel less isolated.”
“Not alone.”
“I felt a real camaraderie.”
“We talked about some serious stuff but we had a real laugh too.”
“I felt really seen, free, and comfortable, which felt special as a gay man. I haven’t always felt that way in other male group settings.”
“New perspectives.”
“I learned a lot.”
“It was like peering behind the curtain.”
“Everyone understood without me having to explain.”
“The hardest part was walking through the door.”
“I finally felt safe enough to be myself.”
Helpful Support Downloads
Men's Group Journey Leaflet
