Self help Support Groups

About Depression Alliance Self Help Groups

Depression Alliance supports a national network of self help groups across England which all welcome new members. Details of each group and how you can get in contact is set out below. Where phone numbers or email addresses are provided, it is best to contact the local volunteer Group Facilitator directly. Some groups listed simply ask newcomers to come along to the next meeting.

Where contact details are not listed, we can contact the Group Facilitator on your behalf. Please send your name, address, phone number and email address to the Depression Alliance office or groups (at) depressionalliance.org.

Please note: Email addresses have been displayed in the following format whatever (at) whatever.com to prevent them being harvested for spam. Please replace the spaces and the (at) with @.

• Avon
• Bedfordshire
• Berkshire
• Buckinghamshire
• Cheshire
• County Durham
• Derbyshire
• Dorset
• East Sussex
• Essex
• Hampshire
• Hertfordshire
• Kent
• Lancashire
• Leicestershire
• Lincolnshire
• Merseyside
• Middlesex
• Norfolk
• Northants
• Oxfordshire
• Shropshire
• Suffolk
• Surrey
• Tyne & Wear
• West Midlands
• Yorkshire
• London

Starting a new group

If there isn't a local group near you but you'd like to know more about starting one, please contact the Depression Alliance office and ask for our guide to starting a new group.

England

Scotland

For information about self help groups in Scotland please visit their website:

http://www.dascot.org/groupslist.html

or email groups (at) dascot.org

Wales

For information about self help groups in Wales please contact Journeys (was DA Cymru) on 029 2069 2891 info (at) journeysonline.org.uk

Internet group

If you would like to join our internet group, which is open to supporters of Depression Alliance only, please contact datalk-admin (at) depressionalliance.org, or contact the DA office.

Pen-friend scheme

To learn more about this scheme please contact the DA office for information and an application form.

About Self Help Groups

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-judgmental, confidential environment. Meetings are not the same as therapy (although they do have a therapeutic value), but many people find that they gain much from the acceptance and understanding of fellow members.

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, treatment and recovery."

Self help group meetings are based on the mutual respect of every member's opinions and beliefs. People are required to have a non-judgmental 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.

"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 eg for Asian women, gays and lesbians, women only and carers.

"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 don't want to, and the groups will always respect this, as they will throughout meetings.

Please remember...

Depression Alliance self help groups are developed and co-ordinated by volunteers (called Group Facilitators). Group facilitator 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 Facilitator 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 678000
The Samaritans 08457 909090
MIND 08457 660163