Wise Owls Advisory Group
Our lived experience group convenes every 4 weeks with the Service Manager at our office in Selkirk. This collaboration aims to help guide and shape the support services offered by Survivors Unite.
The group is open to anyone who has:
- been supported by Survivors Unite (or a similar organisation)
- completed their therapy journey for the time being.*
- is not currently receiving therapeutic support from Survivors Unite.*
*(although we understand that some individuals may need to return to therapy, and we fully support that.)
The aims of the lived experience group include:
- Feeding back experiences of using our support services to the Board of Trustees.
- Giving suggestions and helping to organise fundraising for Survivors Unite.
- Identifying gaps and suggesting development improvements to assist other survivors.
- Reviewing publicity material such as our posters, leaflets, and this website.
- Sharing knowledge and assisting with outreach events.
- Processing applications to our Social Welfare Fund.
How can the Wise Owls help you?
The Wise Owls are a small group of survivors who have been involved with our charity for many years. Collectively, their lived experience in the journey towards recovery provides invaluable insight into various aspects of healing. This includes:
- What it's like to start the recovery process.
- The experience of attending one-to-one counselling.
- What happens at the conclusion of your counselling sessions.
- Self-care strategies before and after sessions.
- Tips for living as normally as possible each week, whether you're going to work or fulfilling parenting duties.
- The process of disclosing to the police.
- Navigating the court system and the justice process, regardless of the outcome.
- The benefits of being part of a support group.
- Strategies for dealing with the past while building a hopeful future.
- Learning to find yourself while living your life.
This group also addresses many other challenges that arise from living with the consequences of Childhood Sexual Abuse. Our Service Manager regularly attends the Wise Owl group meetings to provide support and act as a liaison between Survivors Unite and the tasks assigned to the group. If you seek advice from a Wise Owl, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Inner Child Not Forgotten
This is a basket of memories; a basket filled with photographs of our younger selves. These photographs have been contributed to the basket by adult survivors who participated in our first lived experience group. The collection began in 2015, with the intention of honoring their own inner child. The basket is housed at our premises in Selkirk.
If anyone would like to add a photograph (anonymously, if you wish) of their child self, please let us know. We welcome contributions as part of our support services, encouraging connections among Survivors Unite.
The Wise Owls...
Les Newington
Barbara Caldicott
Barbara Caldicott
Les is an advocate for lived experience throughout the Borders, actively participating in the Integrated Psychological Trauma Steering Group. His involvement was crucial in establishing Survivors Unite, a vital lived experience group focused on enhancing support services, and we are pleased to welcome his expertise to the Wise Owls Advisory Group.
Barbara Caldicott
Barbara Caldicott
Barbara Caldicott
Barbara is a true example of how Survivors Unite to shape and guide our charity. As a board member and now a wise owl, Barbara's perspective from the lived experience group informs our support services and the new initiatives planned by the group.
Elaine Shearman
Barbara Caldicott
Elaine Shearman
Elaine, a dedicated Survivor who has gained valuable insights from participating in a lived experience group through Survivors Unite, is eager to give back to the charity. Her passion for supporting others drives her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who utilize support services.