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Santa Barbara County, CA

Welcome to the chapter page! At Ease is a family of chapters across the nation and we are here for you! This page provides you with information on local contacts, partners, and our esteemed advisory board. You will be able to stay up with resources and local events, as well. Keep checking back for up-to-date information. Thank you for joining in Keeping our first responders strong!

About

First Responder Group Therapy has started and meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 6:30pm in Buellton, CA. Please contact [email protected] / (805)455-2188 or [email protected] / (805)448-4156 for more details.

Chapter Contact

Program Manager: Tony Pighetti
Program Manager Email: [email protected]

Advisory Board

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Partners

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Upcoming Events

First Responder Group Therapy/Substance Use

05/04/2021
Santa Barbara County/Buellton

The First Responder Group meets the first and third Tuesdays of the Month at 6:30pm. Please contact [email protected] / (805)455-2188 or [email protected] / (805)448-4156 for more details.

Announcements

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Peer to Peer Support

Peer to Peer Support

The Peer Support Programs in the Tri-Counties (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura) selects only the best and most qualified to be team members. Those selected must be credible, experienced, trusted and held in high esteem. They must be sensitive to diversity and multi-cultural components within the agencies. Throughout Southern California there are over one hundred trained Peer Support Team members ready to listen and support you.

The Goals of Peer Support:

  1. Provide an empathetic listening ear
  2. Provide low level psychological intervention
  3. Identify colleagues who may be at risk to themselves or others
  4. Facilitate pathways to professional help through At Ease International

Peer Support Training and Accreditation:

  1. Listening skills
  2. Psychological first aid
  3. Informed on the referral options
  4. Trained in basic skills to fulfill the role

“Peer to Peer Support” is about peers, or “people of mutual respect” helping each other, i.e., firefighters helping firefighters or police officers helping police officers. The shared experiences of peers foster the initial trust and credibility necessary for developing relationships in which individuals are willing to open up and discuss their reactions and concerns after a critical incident.

Peer relationships are effective because they are built around this mutual understanding, respect and trust. These commonalities contribute to the credibility necessary for developing relationships in which individuals are willing to open up and discuss their problems despite concerns about stigma.

Peer-to-peer programs facilitate opportunities for individuals to talk with trained peer supporters who serve as a “bridge” to connect with Mental Health Professionals (MHP), through At Ease International. Peer Support Team members can offer educational and social support and provide avenues for additional help if needed.

If you would like to be connected to a Peer Support Team Member please contact Tony Pighetti (retired firefighter from Santa Barbara City Fire) at (805)448-4156 or by email [email protected]

Resources

https://www.firestrong.org/department

Volunteer

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