Join our VPSN Meetings!
Join meetings by ZOOM or phone, whichever is more comfortable for you!
Each meeting will provide tools and support to help you lead a healthier and happier life. We offer sessions that focus on specific topics such as recovery support, recreational activities, LGBTQ+ support and more. See our calendar here.
This program is only available to Residents of Minnesota at this time.
Available from 9am – 5pm (7 Days a Week)
To join by Zoom, click below or enter
Zoom ID 439 275 1585 in the Zoom App
To join by phone, click below or call 1-646-558-8656 and enter Zoom ID 439 275 1585
Donate to Bring VPSN to All!
I recognize that WITW supports people who have a diverse range of lived experiences through our virtual peer groups!
By donating today I will help Wellness in the Woods reach more people in Minnesota and increase the number of people receiving peer support services, especially in Minnesota's rural "woods" communities!
WITW offers all our services for free because everyone deserves an opportunity to heal!
Yes! I want to donate to support VPSN Sessions!
VPSN Visitor Stories
“Sometimes I doubted myself. Thought the abuse was all my fault. That there was something wrong with me. It is so helpful to hear from other women who have experienced what I have. I can remember it wasn’t my fault”
— Shayla, participant in "A Time for Healing" peer group
“Friday nights are hard. I want to get together with others, but all my friends go to the bars. I needed somewhere I could go that was free of all that.”
— Rob, participant in "Friday Night Freedom" peer group
Watch our new VPSN video and learn more!
Our Virtual Peer Support Network is available on Zoom from 10 am to 4 pm daily. The program is facilitated by 2 Certified Peer or Recovery Peer Specialists that have lived experience with either mental health, or substance use challenges. This is a safe, small group setting, that you can be yourself and being yourself is encouraged!
We have some fun activities, lots of discussions, meditations, LGBTQ+ sessions, and tons more. There really is something for everyone and absolutely everyone is welcome, we are 100% inclusive and we really enjoy learning new things from our attendees, so cultural diversity is very welcomed and honored here.
We are aware that trying a new thing, especially on video can be a bit scary, so we make sure that there is no pressure to participate, you are welcome to simply log on to check it out until you are comfortable to join in. We welcome other Peer Specialists as well! VPSN offers community support through shared life experience and we look forward to you, or someone you love, being a part of that.
Like and follow VPSN on Facebook
Like our Facebook page and join our community to stay up to date with new events and exciting new developments.
Keep up to date with VPSN activities, sessions and Zoom meetings! Our Peer Support Specialists have a lot in store so don’t miss out each month!
What is VPSN?
The Virtual Peer Support Network, or VPSN was designed with the intent to decrease isolation in an all-inclusive, non-judgmental, and safe environment. This program was created in 2020 as a response to COVID as a way for those seeking to connect and feel supported while social distancing.
The VPSN community is hosted on ZOOM by a team of Certified Peer Support Specialists who are able to use their own life experiences to help others who share similar mental health and substance use challenges.
Our programs consist of several different regular sessions including:
Paint-Alongs
Native American/Somali/Togolese/BIPOC Wellbeing Sessions
Spanish Speaking Sessions
Chronic Pain Support
Substance Use Recovery
DBT & WRAP Skills
Peer Networking & Connection
LGBTQIA2S+ Wellbeing
What to Expect When Joining a VPSN Session:
We are excited you want to join us! Our sessions are open to all and we strive to create a fun, welcoming atmosphere! Each day sessions start at 9 am and 1 pm, but you can join at any time.
This is a sample schedule for a generic session, however this will change depending on the session topic:
(Sample Schedule for a 4 hour session)
• Check in question - you can share how you are doing or choose to pass
• Short mindfulness activity - such as a meditation or breathing exercise
• 15 minute creative writing or reflection time
• Discussion question - which gives you time to share your ideas
• Guest speaker or activity - these change depending on the day or topic
• Closing, final check in and self care tool
First Timer Tip
Worried about joining the first time? Here are some things you can do.
1. Send an email and ask any questions you have to vpsn@mnwitw.org
2. Join without sharing your video and just listen in - we will invite you to participate once and then let you listen as long as you like
3. Come for one of our guest speakers and just listen
4. Join with a friend
5. Let us know what would help you feel comfortable joining