5. Experiencing Support from Coordinators and Participants

Support emerged as a critically important component of the Project, making a difference to participants in terms of their ability to deal with the challenges they faced in moving forward with the work. The Project coordinators were a major source of support, offering unlimited encouragement, feedback and helpful ideas. The fact that this support was offered proactively was significant for many participants who indicated that they have difficulty asking for help. The coordinators were "always nearby to answer questions or offer guidance" and they did so in a way that recognized and respected the strengths of participants.

It was also clear that the participants themselves were a key source of support for each other. They offered encouragement, acted as sounding boards for ideas, and validated the thoughts, feelings and experiences that were shared. Although none of the participants contacted the counsellor who was involved in the Project, they noted that knowing she was available to them and that they could contact her if they needed support made a difference. The two participants who worked on their research project as a team derived considerable support from the partnership.

Leaders were very supportive, available ... [Judy] was incredible from the get-go. She was amazingly supportive. Her personality was important ... she was someone I could talk to. Having mentors is an important part of how I learn. She would ask, 'How are you feeling?', encouraging listening to what your body is telling you, letting you know it's ok not to be ok and on top of things. That was the greatest support.

I felt comfortable knowing that we had support if we needed to speak to a counsellor or therapist. Also, the other participants support and validate the thoughts and ideas that are shared.

The support we got from the facilitators was a really important element. It allowed for members to become partners in offering support. There was never any hierarchy. They modelled support.

Their faith and respect for our knowledge and experience made a difference. A lot of it was them, how they were with each other and with us.