Our peer support groups offer a safe place to meet with others who have had similar experiences.

Each group runs slightly differently, as decided by the group members. Some groups prefer just to chat whilst others like to plan activities or discuss particular topics but all groups agree ground rules about how they want their group to be for example, keeping personal information private. All groups extend a warm welcome to new members and you can expect them to be non-judgmental because they have had similar experiences. We recognise that everybody’s needs and situations are different so we like to speak to you before you join one of the groups to check it’s what you are looking for and to give you the chance to ask any questions you might have.

What are the benefits of Peer Support groups?

• Mutual support in a non-judgemental setting, where confidentiality is respected.
• An opportunity to talk with other people who have ‘been there’, and willing to share their lived experiences of mental health difficulties.
• An opportunity to give as well as receive emotional support.
• Swapping experiences and learning new ways to deal with problems.
• Gaining inspiration from others and learning from their recovery journeys.
• Sharing information about mental health issues and local provision.
• Taking a more active role in health, wellbeing and recovery.
• Reduction in social isolation.
• An increase in social opportunities/social circle.
• Developing new skills.
• A sense of being in more control of one’s own recovery.
• Increased self-esteem and self-confidence

1 in 6 Gaming

1 in 6 Gaming is a peer support group for people who enjoy playing a wide range of board games. These include war games, card games and painting board game miniatures.

The group is self led and designed to break the stigma of mental health and anyone who is suffering from it.

1 in 6 gaming meet regulatory on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 9:30pm in Brierley Hill (DY5 1LA area).

If you would like to join the group please call Joe on 0743396555 or by email oneinsixgaming@gmail.com.

Building Bridges – Anxiety & Depression Self Help Group

Building Bridges is a peer support group for anxiety and depression.

At the group we can talk about some of the struggles we have faced and help one another to find new ways to manage.

We meet on the third and fourth Monday of the month from 7pm – 9pm in Stourbridge and you would be welcome to join us if you are finding your anxiety and/or depression difficult to manage.

New Connections – Anxiety & Depression support group

New Connections is a new peer support group for people affected by anxiety and depression, where you can come and share experiences in a safe, non-judgemental setting with other who understand.

The group meet every week on a Tuesday morning 11:30am – 1:30pm in Stourbridge.

Poetry Workshops – Finding your voice

You don’t have to be an established writer to enjoy experimenting with writing poetry, even if for the first time.

These Poetry workshops are designed to help you be more creative, understand how poetry can be a great way to express your thoughts and feelings and to help you find your own unique ‘voice’ as a poet.

The facilitator, Ximena Holzer, is a published poet, whose 3 volumes of poetry have been published in Spain and Latin America. She writes about memory, family history and the interplay between the interior life and dark social forces.

She has led poetry workshops in Barcelona and more recently in Mexico, where she was invited to give readings at an International Poetry Festival. She has a great deal of experience in helping people to express themselves creatively using poetry.

The sessions are free and open to anyone who would like to play with poetry.