Is a support group right for me?

That shared experience of helping someone you don't know and having them open up to you is a wonderful, life-affirming experience.

What is peer support?

Peer support is when people with similar experiences connect and support each other.

You might know this by one of its many names:

• Community group, local support group or self-help group
• Online forum or community 
• Facebook community page, Reddit forum
• Activity group (such as painting, gardening, walking or book club)
• Befriending or mentoring

These are all spaces which try to:

• Bring together people with shared experiences 
• Provide a space where you feel accepted and understood
• Treat everyone's experiences as being equally important
• Empower people to give and receive support

These groups can help you to:

• Connect with others and give you a sense of belonging
• Find joy and share humour with others
• Socialise and meet other people
• Open up to others
• Build your self-esteem and confidence
• Deal with day-to-day tasks
• Find new ideas and approaches that others have found helpful
• Find support in a non-medicalised setting
• Feel more hopeful about the future

You can try a support group alongside more formal mental health treatments, like therapy or medication. Or by itself.

What's it like to try a support group?

Groups, organisations and individuals are all different. They can be regular, well-organised sessions. Some groups are much less formal and more sociable.

Watch these people talk about their different support groups:

These are some things that the different types of support will try to focus on:

What you have in common

Group support brings together people with shared experiences. You might share a diagnosis of a mental health problem. Or share experiences, such as hearing voices.

Your group might share interests, such as gardening or walking. Your group may identify as LGBTQIA+, live in a local area, or have a shared cultural background.  

Where you meet

Support groups might meet in person, locally. Or you might meet online – for example on social media networks or groups. There are online communities dedicated to mental health support, such as Mind's Side by Side.

You might also use other ways of getting in touch, such as emails, phone calls or messaging.  

How many people take part

You might meet in a group, which are sometimes called self-help or support groups.

Or you might meet one-to-one, which is sometimes called mentoring or befriending. Together, you might work towards agreed goals.

Our page on How to find a support group explains the different types of peer support.

How do I know if I'm ready for a support group?

We've put together a short list of things to think about. These questions can help you decide if you want to try a peer support group or online community.

Is it the right time?

You might decide that peer support is what you need at the moment. You can use support groups and communities more at certain times and less at others.

It depends on what feels helpful to you at the time.

Do I want to focus on talking or doing activities?

You might want to take part in indoor or outdoor activities. Or you might prefer talking and discussion.

If you're not sure what feels right for you, look at different groups before deciding.

How do I want to access support?

Online support is helpful because it's often free and easy to join. Or you might prefer face-to-face support.

You can use both if you like. You could try different types of support before deciding what you prefer.

See our pages on looking after your mental health online. There's information about using online support safely and maintaining your wellbeing.

How do I feel about opening up?

It can sometimes be difficult sharing your experiences and feelings. You might feel nervous or worried about what others will say, but it's likely that they will understand.

They might feel the same way too. And it's up to you how much you share.

The kind of support that works for you is completely personal. If you aren't finding a group helpful, you can try something else.

What questions should I ask before joining a support group?

How can I look after myself in a support group?

Taking part in peer support is usually a positive experience. But it's important to think about how listening and sharing personal stories could affect your wellbeing.

Here are some tips for looking after yourself:

• Try to notice what you're feeling and take a break if you want to.
• Only share what you feel comfortable sharing.
• Take regular breaks if you're feeling tired or it's becoming too much.
• Give yourself time – you might not share anything right away.
• Remember, it's ok if you don't connect with other people.
• Try a different group or community if you don't feel understood.

Make sure you know how to get help in a crisis. For example, you can call Samaritans 24 hours a day on 116 123 or email [email protected]

What if support groups don't work for me?

Although many people find group support helpful, not everyone does. You might find that it doesn't suit you, or doesn't meet your needs. If you've tried something and it hasn't helped, it's important not to blame yourself.

Some people find community support useful at some times and not others. If it's not the right thing for you now, you should still be able to use it in the future if you want to.

See our guide to seeking help for a mental health problem for other options you could explore.

I'll be honest, I had to go through a number of groups before I found one that I felt ok with and fitted in.

What if I have a complaint?

If you have a complaint about your peer support group, it could help to discuss it with the organiser. They may know if there is a way to make a complaint. You could also discuss it with members of the group, if you feel comfortable doing so.

How can I become a peer supporter?

If you go to a group or share your experience online, you're already a peer supporter. Even if you don't speak up often, your presence counts. In group support, listening to others is as important as sharing your own experiences.

You might also decide to get more involved by:

• Volunteering, for example by helping to moderate online communities
• Setting up your own group or helping to run group sessions
• Applying for paid roles as a peer support worker, which will often include training

Published: June 2024

Next review planned: June 2027

References and bibliography available on request.

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