Peer support happens when people who have similar experiences of something difficult such as mental health problems come together to support each other. Crucially, the people involved play an active role in creating a safe environment for each other. In this space, people can use their shared experiences to give and receive support from each other. Peers make choices about what parts of their personal experiences they talk about, seek support for, and use to support other people.

To find out more about what peer support is look at the pictures of the Peer Support Charter in the pictures below and download this info sheet.

All the groups are open to ideas and suggestions from the members, we want you to feel joint ownership of your group(s). Mostly just chat about anything and everything whilst enjoying refreshments and each other’s company.

Yes, absolutely. Just turn up or if you prefer text/phone Dave on 07788312844 or email DavePrivett@dorsetmentalhealthform.org.uk

Yes, that is fine. They will need to sign the Group agreement about confidentiality etc. as well as you and if coming more than once fill in a registration form too.

Anything! Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Schizoaffective Disorder, EUPD, PTSD, OCD as well as ASD and ADHD are just some of the diagnoses our members have had. You do not have to disclose a diagnosis if you don’t want to. Quite a few members have mobility problems, chronic illness, chronic pain or epilepsy as well.

Any age. Currently our youngest is 19 and the oldest in their 70s.

Yes, it is a ‘drop in’ although sometimes we may be mid-way through something so please come in quietly and take a seat until we have time to say hello and make introductions. Please help yourself to refreshments.

Don’t worry. The first session is free. After that please donate what you can afford. The hall hire needs to be paid for along with refreshments and other incidentals like printing flyers but we have a reserve fund to draw on. Donations are made anonymously into a box.

Yes we have a Group Agreements, slightly different for the different Groups. Please click on the links below. The two primary ‘rules’ are Confidentiality and Respect. You will be provided with a copy at your first or second visit.

Download the rules and guidelines for Shaftesbury here.

Gillingham Group Agreement is being drawn up during the next few meetings, taking into account what the members agree on.

There is a registration form to complete. This is quite short and is basically your contact details and who to contact in an emergency.

Download the registration form for Shaftesbury here.

The Gillingham Form is currently being developed

Yes, by all means. Come along and see if it works for you/the person you care for.

Yes, absolutely. Please contact me by text or email for this to be arranged.

Facilitators of the groups are peers, people with lived experience who have had training with the Dorset Mental Health Forum. They are not qualified therapists.