How to find a support group

The stories shared were a personal revelation. Behaviours and thoughts I had kept secret and hidden for years were being mirrored by the words of others.

Online mental health support groups

There are lots of peer support groups and communities online. 

Mind runs Side by Side, which is open to anyone over 18. It's an online mental health support community with thousands of members. Other charities also offer chat forums.

Social media platforms such as Facebook or Reddit have community pages. These are not always moderated, so you might find our guide to looking after your mental health online helpful.

The website Togetherall can offer online support. But this isn't free if you live in certain parts of the UK. You may be able to join with a GP referral or through your university.

Local mental health support groups

Hub of Hope

If you're looking for a peer support group in your area, check out what's listed on Hub of Hope.  

Hub of Hope lists services in your area. It's a mental health support service provided by the charity Chasing the Stigma.

NHS

Some peer support groups are run by the NHS. These may be at hospitals or organised by community mental health teams (CMHTs). You might need a referral from your GP to attend these types of support.

Your doctor or health care team might have details of support groups in your area. Check your GP practice information board or at your pharmacy.

You can usually join a group without a referral from your GP. 

Your local Mind

Local Minds offer different types of group support services across England and Wales. To find out what's available in your area, you can ask Mind's Infoline or contact your nearest local Mind.

Other ways to find support groups in the community

Many local charities run peer support groups, although they're not always easy to find. You could:

• Ask at your local library or community centre
• Do an internet search to look for details of local groups
• Look for details of local groups on social media
• Contact Mind's Infoline
• Take a look at Befriending Network's list of befriending services in the UK

You could also use our mental health A-Z to find a particular diagnosis or experience. We include details of organisations, some of which may offer peer support for that particular mental health problem or experience.

It’s also helped me to feel more accepting and at peace with who I am.

Support groups and communities in England

If you live in England, you can find details of support groups on the Rethink Mental Illness website and the Together UK website. The National Survivor User Network (NSUN) website also has details of peer support groups, in person and online.

If you're an older person, you may find Age UK helpful. They share information and support for older people.

Support groups and communities in Wales

If you live in Wales, Adferiad provides some peer support services, including befriending. You can also contact Age Cymru (Wales) for information and support for older people in Wales.

Communities experiencing racial inequality

If you're from a community experiencing racial inequality, there may be groups in your area for people from your community. Bayo is a space to find collectives, organisations and services. They have options across the UK that offer mental health and wellbeing support to the Black community.

LGBTQIA+ support groups and communities

If you identify as a member of an LGBTQIA+ community, there may be support groups in your area. They may be for LGBTQIA+ people generally, or for specific identities. There are online communities too.

The Consortium website lets you search for different types of services across the UK. This includes self-help and support groups. You can also contact Stonewall for information and advice for LGBT+ people on a range of issues.

Rural support groups and communities

If you live in a rural area, mental health services and support may be more spread out. Your nearest local Mind should be able to suggest the most convenient options.

There are organisations that help support rural communities. They may be able to help you access peer support. Try the Farming Community Network (FCN) and Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE).

If you're struggling to find people who understand your experiences, Mind's Side by Side Community can also be useful if you live in a rural area.

Student services

Student Minds runs on-campus support groups for students at some universities. You could also ask your student union, advice team or wellbeing centre for support. Or your university may be able to give you access to Togetherall.

Published: June 2024

Next review planned: June 2027

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