Hosting a peer support session on ShareWell is an opportunity to build community, share experiences, and create a safe space for healing. Below are some best practices to help you feel confident as a host.
Share Your Session Your Way
The examples here are meant to inspire you, but feel free to share your session however feels natural.
Start with Group Guidelines
Providing group guidelines at the beginning of a session is essential for three reasons:
- Establishes safety. Ground rules set expectations for a respectful space. Always use ShareWell’s guidelines and add any that feel helpful.
- Sets expectations. Everyone knows what to expect and what is or isn’t acceptable.
- Supports accountability. Guidelines give you a clear reference point if you need to remind someone of expectations later.
Kick Off with Introductions and an Open-Ended Question
Begin with a quick introduction: share your name, why you’re hosting, and your connection to the topic. Then, move into popcorn introductions, where peers share their name, location, and answer an open-ended question.
Consider asking:
- What drew you to this session?
- What’s been your experience with today’s topic?
- What do you hope to take away?
These questions warm participants up, spark connection, and can naturally lead to deeper discussions.
Structure vs. Flexibility
Don’t worry if you don’t have a detailed agenda. Sometimes less structure helps participants feel more comfortable sharing. If people know there’s space for open conversation, they are less likely to hold back. Quieter participants also benefit when time is left for reflection and sharing.
Balance Responses and Silences
As a host, you may want to respond to every participant. While validating responses is important, leaving short pauses after someone speaks can encourage peers to respond to each other. This keeps the conversation flowing naturally.
Silence doesn’t mean a session isn’t working. In fact, it often gives people time to process and reflect. Group silence can even feel healing when participants feel safe.
Invite Quieter Participants to Contribute
Groups often have both vocal and reserved members. You can engage quieter participants by saying something like:
- “For those who haven’t shared much today, what has it been like to be here?”
In smaller groups, you might gently invite someone to share directly, making sure they feel comfortable doing so.
Next Steps for Hosts
Now that you’ve learned a few best practices, you’re ready to put them into action. Hosting a peer support session is easier than you think—and it’s a chance to grow your skills, support others, and continue your own healing.
If you have any more questions feel to look at the ShareWell Host Handbook or join an upcoming Become A Host Session led by the ShareWell team.
Now get excited about hosting your first session and welcome to the host community!
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