Self-Help Support Groups [top]

In this section: Self-Help Support Groups England (exc London) | London | Scotland | Wales | Ireland | Internet Email Group| Starting a New Group | Q&A About Self Help Groups

Depression Self Help Groups provide a forum where people who are affected by depression can meet to share experiences and coping strategies with others in similar situations. Groups aim to provide mutual support and understanding in a non-judgemental, confidential environment. Group meetings are not the same as therapy (although they do have therapeutic value) but many people find that they gain much from the support and understanding of fellow members.

Finding your local group

New people are always welcome at the self help groups. To find out whether there is a group supported by Depression Alliance in your area please click on an option below:

England (exc. London) | London | Scotland | Wales | Ireland

About the Self Help Groups

The self help groups vary in many aspects but all welcome new members. Each group differs according to the needs, wishes and ideas of its members. They also vary in the frequency of meetings, in their size and their style. Some may have three or four other people who meet for coffee and a chat, others may be larger and invite occasional speakers on subjects of interest, such as aromatherapy or relaxation.

Groups may meet weekly or monthly, many meeting in a community centre, office or hall and some meet in the organiser's home.

Most groups operate an ‘introduction’ system where each member has about five minutes to introduce themselves, providing new members with the opportunity to get to know others’ circumstances from the outset. However, you do not have to speak if you do not wish to, and the group members will always respect this.

Each group has a Group Organiser. This is generally a Depression Alliance member who has volunteered to be a local contact and to help set up and run the group. Please remember however that the Group Organiser is not a trained therapist and may be suffering from depression themselves. If you are in distress please call Saneline (0845 767 8000) or The Samaritans (0845 790 90 90) as a Group Organiser will be unable to assist you. Also remember to consider the time you are contacting a Group Organiser.

No groups in your area?

The list of groups registered with Depression Alliance does not cover every county however we often have new groups starting up. If you would like to register your interest to attend a new group, should one start-up in your area, please email us your full name, postal address and telephone number to Groups Enquiry. Please include 'new group attendee' in the subject heading.

Please also contact Mind who also run various self help groups throughout the country and visit our links and useful contacts pages for more help and support.

Self Help Groups - England (exc London) [top]

The groups currently meeting in England (excluding London) are listed below in English county order. For further information about these groups please email your full name, postal address and telephone number to Groups Enquiry. Please also include the location of the group that you wish to attend.

Avon | Berkshire | Cheshire | Derbyshire | Devon | Dorset | Essex | Greater Manchester | Hampshire | Hertfordshire | Isle of Man | Kent | Lancashire | Leicestershire | Lincolnshire | Merseyside | Middlesex | Norfolk | Northhamptonshire | Shropshire | Somerset|Surrey | Tyne & Wear | Warwickshire
|West Midlands | West Sussex | Yorkshire

Self Help Groups - London  [top]

The groups currently meeting in London are listed below - all welcome new people. For further information about groups in London please email your full name, postal address and telephone number to Groups Enquiry. Please also include the location of the group you wish to attend.

Self Help Groups - Scotland  [top]

For further information about the Depression Self Help Groups in Scotland please email Mel or write to Mel, Groups Development Officer, Depression Alliance Scotland, 3 Grosvenor Gardens, Edinburgh EH12 5JU, or telephone on 0131 467 3050. Full Details on the groups are also available by clicking here.

Wales [top]

Please contact DA Cymru or phone 029 2069 2891 for further information.

Ireland [top]

Information about support groups in Eire and Northern Ireland can be obtained from "Aware" - their website can be accessed at:
www.aware.ie email info@aware.ie.
www.aware-ni.org email help@aware-ni.org

Internet Email Group – DATalk [top]

DATalk is an Internet discussion and email forum, which allows its users to share experiences and coping strategies with others in similar situations. The principles behind it are similar to our network of self-help groups, but it is particularly appropriate for those people who may not feel ready to attend a group, who do not have a group in their area, or who prefer to communicate by e-mail. If you are already a member and would like more information about Datalk, please email DATalk Enquiry or download an information sheet.

For more information on becoming a member, go to our membership page.

Starting or Attending a New Group [top]

If you find that there is no group meeting in your area Depression Alliance always welcomes enquiries from people who are interested in starting up or attending a new self help group. If you'd like to know more about setting up a local group please email your full name, postal address and telephone number to Groups Enquiry. Please put in the Subject heading 'Groups Start Up Information Request'. To find out more you can view the latest edition of Chatline, the newsletter for group organisers, on line.

If you would like to register interest to attend a new group if one starts in your area please also contact Groups Enquiry with your name and contact details.

Q&A About Self Help Groups

When you are affected by depression, the prospect of attending a self-help group can be very intimidating. Here are just a few of the 'myths' which may deter you from attending your local group:

Attending a self-help group may be a negative experience which will make me feel even more low' Group meetings are positive experiences where people feel able to express their feelings without explanation and guilt. Members find it easier to support people through their difficulties, and this may help to reduce feelings of worthlessness.

'Other group members will impose their views about causes, recovery and treatment'

Self-help group meetings are based on the mutual respect of every member's opinions and beliefs. People are required to have a non-judgemental attitude and must not dominate the group, aggressively promote one set of beliefs, or refuse to listen to others or make room for their experiences. Members discuss treatment options but are always advised to consult their healthcare practitioner about any concerns. Please download ourrecommended ground rules that we provide to self-help groups.

'Other group members will not be able to relate to my situation and I will feel more isolated and vulnerable'

Because they are attended by people suffering from or recovering from depression, all groups provide an environment where members feel confident and comfortable in sharing experiences with others. We also have a few specialist groups for Asian women, gays and lesbians, the elderly, young people, women only, and carers for depressed people.

'I'll be expected to share more information about my feelings and experiences than I feel ready for'

Most groups operate an 'introduction' system where each member has about five minutes to introduce themselves, providing new members with the opportunity to get to know others' circumstances from the outset. You do not have to speak if you do not wish to and the groups will always respect this, as they will throughout meetings.

Please remember...

Many of the groups listed here are developed and coordinated by volunteers (called 'Group Organisers'). Group organisers are not expected to be experts on depression, nor are they trained to offer counselling or therapy to individuals. Please do not telephone a group organiser for this purpose; for emotional support and information please call Saneline or The Samaritans. If there are no groups listed here that are in your area please contact Mind who also run various self-help groups across the country.

Saneline 08457 67 80 00
The Samaritans 08457 90 90 90
MIND 08457 660 163

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