Programs

Peer Support for Veterans & First Responders

Peer Support for Veterans & First Responders offers a safe, judgment‑free space for veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS providers, and other first responders to talk with people who truly understand service life. Through one‑on‑one mentoring, small groups, and activity‑based options, we focus on rebuilding trust, connection, and purpose—while working alongside any VA care, therapy, EAP, or other supports you already have in place.

Program Overview

For Those Who Are Tired of Doing It Alone

Many veterans and first responders carry invisible wounds—PTSD, depression, anxiety, moral injury, or the strain of trying to hold everything together for everyone else. Peer Support for Veterans & First Responders is designed for people who are tired of doing it alone but don’t want a lecture or a checklist. You’ll connect with others who understand deployments, shift work, critical incidents, and the culture of “suck it up,” and who are ready to walk beside you at your pace.

Talk openly with peers who understand military and first responder culture without having to explain every detail.

Choose from one‑on‑one peer mentoring, small groups, or activity‑based support depending on what feels safest.

Use peer support alongside VA care, therapy, EAP, or medication to stay connected between appointments.

Impact Stats & Key Points

1000+

Connections made

20+

Workshops conducted

100%

Participants recommend us

Why peer support matters

Shared Experience, Real Understanding

Personalized Mentorship & One-on-One Guidance

Tailored support plans designed for your unique journey. Our mentors walk beside you—helping you set goals, build resilience, and stay focused on recovery.

Resources
for Recovery

Access practical tools, coping strategies, and community workshops that empower you to heal and grow with confidence.

Ready to Talk with Someone Who Gets It?

If you’re a veteran, law enforcement officer, firefighter, EMS provider, or other first responder in North Carolina and you’re ready for a different kind of support, Peer Support for Veterans & First Responders is here for you. All services are free, confidential, and peer‑led. Call or text (472) 259‑8304 or complete our secure intake form to get started.

CUSTOMER’S REVIEWS

Stories of Strength and Healing

Hear from veterans, first responders, and community members who found strength and healing through peer support. Their stories remind us that no one has to carry their battles alone.

I used to think recovery meant I’d never have a bad day again. Here I learned it’s about having people and tools for the bad days so they don’t take me all the way back.

Veteran, Army National Guard

Peer Support Participant

There were a few nights I wasn’t sure I was going to make it. Having someone I could text who knew my story and didn’t panic, but also took me seriously, probably saved my life.

Veteran, Air Force

Recovery Participant

We didn’t just talk about addiction in theory. We worked through what to do on rough nights, how to get through cravings on shift, and how to ask for help before things blow up.

Firefighter

First Responder

My drinking was tied to stuff I’d seen both overseas and on the job. This is the first place where I didn’t have to explain either side—they just got it, and helped me work on both.

Veteran & First Responder

Recovery Participant

I wasn’t sure I was “ready” to quit, but I knew something had to change. They met me where I was, helped me cut back safely, and never made me feel like a failure when I slipped.

Veteran, Navy

Peer Support Participant

I was afraid I’d be judged or told what to do. Instead, I found people who listened, shared their own stories, and helped me make a plan that actually fits my life and my shifts.

EMS Provider

First Responder

Addiction had our whole house on edge. Knowing my spouse has a place to go where people understand both the military side and the recovery side has taken a lot of pressure off our family.

Spouse of Veteran

Family Member

After rehab I felt lost and didn’t know what to do next. The peer support here gave me people to check in with, tools I could actually use, and a reason to keep showing up sober.

Veteran, Marine Corps

Recovery Participant

I was drinking more after shifts and hiding it from everyone. Talking with another first responder who understands the calls and the pressure helped me admit I needed help and actually follow through with treatment.

Police Officer

First Responder

I used alcohol to numb out for years. Having another veteran sit with me, listen, and not flinch at my story made it easier to finally be honest about how bad it had gotten.

Recovery Participant

Veteran, Army

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Join a group, connect with a peer, or help someone else find their way to recovery.

Donate Now

Join a Group

501(c)(3) Tax-Deductible Donation

FAQs

We’ve answered the big questions, but if you still have something on your mind, we’re here to help.

We’re just a form away—send us your question, and we’ll be happy to help!

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What if I’m not ready to talk in a group?

That’s okay. Many people start with: A one‑on‑one conversation with a peer A phone call or text An activity‑based option where you don’t have to talk much at first You never have to share your full story in a group if you don’t want to. We’ll meet you where you are.

Is this confidential?

Yes. Our services are confidential and peer‑led. We do not share what you tell us with your chain of command, employer, or family. The only times we must break confidentiality are: If there is an immediate risk of serious harm to you or someone else If there is suspected abuse of a child, elder, or vulnerable adult We explain these limits clearly at the beginning so you know exactly where the lines are.

Do I need a diagnosis, referral, or VA connection to get help?

No. You do not need: A diagnosis A referral A VA connection If you are a veteran, first responder, community member, or family member who is struggling with stress, trauma, addiction, sleep, anger, relationships, or feeling disconnected, you can reach out directly.

How much does it cost?

All of our services are free for veterans, first responders, community members, and family members we serve. There is no charge for one‑on‑one peer support, groups, or our Pathway to Care: Treatment & Financial Support program. When we help with treatment funding, we work to remove financial barriers—not add new ones.

What’s the difference between peer support and therapy?

Peer support is support from someone with lived experience—another veteran, first responder, or community member who has walked through their own trauma, stress, addiction, or transition. We listen, share tools that have helped us, and walk beside you. Therapy is clinical treatment from a licensed professional. We are not a replacement for therapy. Instead, we often work alongside therapists, treatment programs, and the VA to help you stay connected, show up, and not feel alone in the process.

Who is Battleground Peer Support for?

Battleground Peer Support is for veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS providers, corrections officers, dispatchers, and other first responders in North Carolina. We also support community members and family members who are affected by trauma, mental health, addiction, or the impact of military and first responder life—especially spouses, partners, and close loved ones.