Peer Support Groups

“I think a big part of the sense of community is the fact that people realise there is somewhere where you’re not the outcast. You know, we’ve all been there, done that. There’s really not much that you can say that will shock us. And it’s okay to talk about anything… It’s extremely powerful.*”

In-Person Peer Support

Starting June 2025.

Text-Based Peer Support

Like an in-person support group, our text-based peer support groups are a safe space to talk about your own AuDHD experience, but they have the convenience of being via text, meaning there’s no worrying about masking, having to ‘dress up’, or even leave the house!

Sessions are free and are held weekly via WhatsApp, with the same people in each group every week. New members are added to each group every 12 weeks.

Group Rules

  1. What is shared in the group stays in the group: This group is a safe space where you can talk about personal things without the fear of anyone outside the group finding out. For this reason, you must not discuss anything shared here with anyone else or outside of the group sessions.

  2. No talking about potentially triggering content: Our priority is the safety of everyone in the group. We understand that some of you may have had traumatic experiences in the past that you would like to work through, however this is something that should be discussed in one-to-one therapy.

  3. No judging others: We are here to listen, and to help when asked, but not to judge. We all struggle with some things, and it is not our place to make others feel ashamed about the things they find difficult.

  4. No hate speech or bullying: Make sure that everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things such as race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender, neurotype, or identity will not be tolerated. Breaking of this rule may result in you being removed from the group.

  5. Be kind and understanding: Although we share some similar experiences, we are all individuals and should be treated with respect and understanding. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.

  6. Stay safe: We are not qualified professionals and cannot give medical advice. All opinions are based on our own personal experience. Please do not attempt to diagnose others or offer unsolicited advice or solutions.

FAQs

  • The session is opened by the facilitator who will welcome everyone and suggest a conversation topic. This might be something discussed or decided on in the last session, something seasonal (e.g. “how’s everyone feeling about Christmas?”), or something new that hasn’t yet been discussed.

    You don’t have to send any messages if you don’t want to, or even attend the session every week, but we hope that it becomes a space you feel safe enough to share and contribute to discussions.

    We limit session numbers to ten people so it’s not too overwhelming and we can all get to know each other. After the first session, no one else can join.

  • Facilitators are peers who volunteer to run the sessions. Their responsibilities include:

    • Starting the session by welcoming everyone and opening up the conversation.

    • Making sure everyone follows the group rules.

    • Contacting the appropriate authorities when they have safeguarding concerns.

    • Making sure the group remains a safe space.

  • Will we be adding more sessions as we find and train new facilitators, so if there isn’t one you can make at the moment, keep checking back for new days and times. We’re hoping to start evening/weekend sessions very soon.

  • Simple answer: no. However, all our contracts, policies, and other legal documents are bound by UK legislation, and as we’re UK-based, topics such as NHS waiting lists are likely to be discussed. If this is okay with you, feel free to join. Please remember that all dates and times are UK time.

Safeguarding notice

  • If the facilitator thinks a member of the group is a risk to themselves or anyone else, including any persons under the age of 18, they will pass this information on to the appropriate agencies.

  • If the facilitator is made aware of any illegal activities undertaken by a member of the group or anyone else, they will pass this information on to the appropriate agencies.

References

Joo, J.H. et al. (2022). The benefits and challenges of established peer support programmes for patients, informal caregivers, and healthcare providers.