Question 1

I've never been to a group before. What should I expect?

Accepted Answer

Groups are confidential spaces to connect over a shared experience. They're made up of 8-12 people who don't know each other, but all resonate with the group topic. Groups are run by one or two facilitators, who also have lived experience of the topic. Facilitators are there to keep the space safe and manage timings.

When the group begins, we open with a ‘check-in’, which is an opportunity for each individual to introduce themselves and share anything about where they’re at right now. The majority of the group time is ‘open’, which means it’s unstructured space to have a free-flowing discussion about the  topic. There’s no requirement to speak if you’d rather just listen. In the last fifteen minutes, we ‘check out’, giving everyone a chance to share anything that's on their minds.

Question 2

Is this group therapy?

Accepted Answer

In a word: no. Our groups are peer support groups, meaning they're group spaces run by facilitators with lived experience of the topic. We're all equals in the space, with no hierarchy of expertise. The only thing that qualifies you to be here is your connection with the group topic.

Groups do have some similar features to group therapy: the space is confidential (so anything said here stays here) and non-judgemental. It's an opportunity to share things that you might not feel comfortable sharing in the outside world, and also to listen to others being honest and open.

Our groups may provide some of the benefits of therapy (having a safe space to be listened to, for example) but they aren't meant to be a replacement for therapy.

Question 3

How long is a group?

Accepted Answer

Groups run for 90 minutes, which allows enough time for everyone who wants to speak. We're open to feedback in this area, so if you feel a group is too long or too short, let us know!

Question 4

How do you keep your groups safe?

Accepted Answer

To keep the space safe and judgement-free, we have a set of non-negotiable rules for each group. We'll send these out to you before each group, but some of the important ones are:

• Groups are confidential: everything discussed here stays in this space.
 • Respectful listening, with phones out of sight and on silent. 
 • This is a non-judgemental, stigma-free space. You can bring anything you like here, so long as you avoid very specific details that might be triggering for others.
 • We will do our best to keep the group a safe space for everyone. If something someone says is triggering for you, we encourage you to share this with the group and we can work through it together. 
 • Conflict can happen in groups, but aggression, hate speech, and discriminatory language won't be tolerated. Group members who threaten the safety of the group will be asked to leave, at the discretion of the facilitator.

These rules are designed to keep the space as safe as possible. Of course, the nature of bringing humans together into a collaborative space means that there are certain things we can't control. If you are in a particularly vulnerable place, our groups might not be for you right now.

Question 5

Where are groups held?

Accepted Answer

Groups are held in community spaces across London: community centres, churches, theatres. If you'd like us to create a group in your area, get in touch!

Question 6

I'm not sure I feel ready to open up yet. Can I just listen?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Listening to others sharing their experiences can be just as valuable as talking sometimes.

We do a short 'check-in' and 'check-out' at the start of each group, where we ask everyone to introduce themselves and share something small. If all you want to say is your name, that's totally fine. There's never any pressure to share anything personal.

Question 7

Why do I have to apply to a group?

Accepted Answer

We need to make sure groups stay small (8-12 people), and also try to ensure that people in the group don't already know each other. We can't totally control this of course, but applications help us to control this as much as possible. If you aren't accepted in a group, you'll join a waiting list and will be invited to join the next available group on that topic.

Question 8

Can I apply to more than one group?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! People are complex, and it's very likely you'll resonate with more than one of the group topics. There's no limit on how many groups you can apply for, but if groups become oversubscribed we might prioritise people who haven't had a chance to join a group yet.

Question 9

Who are groups for?

Accepted Answer

Groups are for anyone who connects with a group theme. And if you don't relate to any of our current groups themes but have an idea for a new group - get in touch!

You don't need to have any kind of mental health problem to join a group. We're not a medical organisation - we're here to support people with the everyday problems of living that we all face.

If you do have a mental health problem, that's fine too! But it's important you know we're not here to replace a psychiatrist or psychotherapist, and that our groups aren't run by medical professionals.

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