Peer Support Groups
Last updated: 13 February 2023
Peer Support Groups are spaces where people who share an experience or challenge share with and support each other. These groups are usually facilitated by one or two people. Those people usually also share similar or the same experiences as the rest of the group members. Peer support spaces operate with the Peer Values of Hope, Experience, Authenticity, Responsibility, Mutuality and Empowerment at their core.
The groups listed below are open to new members.
Mental Health Peer Support
Andy’s Man Club
Peer to peer support for men.
When and When – Monday’s at 7pm. North Merchiston Club, Watson Crescent, Edinburgh EH11 1EP.
Contact – 07944 632831 or info@andysmanclub.co.uk/ http://www.andysmanclub.co.uk/
Anxiety and Depression Peer Support Group (Health in Mind)
For people experiencing anxiety, depression and/or low mood.
Where and When – Online and in person. Monday and Tuesday evenings weekly. Find the groups full information on iThrive here.
Contact – edinburghselfhelp@health-in-mind.org.uk or call 0131 225 8508
Chapters Men’s Group (Connecting Craigmillar)
Open to men living in the greater Craigmillar area.
Where and When – In person. Friday afternoons.
Contact – edinburghselfheconnectingcraigmillar@gmail.com or call Angela on 07909257415 or Will on 07909257414
Equal Access (Health in Mind)
Mental health and wellbeing groups for minority ethnic people.
Where and When – Online (Zoom). Fortnightly Monday 11am -12.30pm (for women). Fortnightly Thursday 12.30- 2 pm (for all).
Contact – Rahila.Khalid@health-in-mind.org.uk or call 0131 225 8508
Juno Perinatal Groups
Information and peer support for Mums and Mums to be who are experiencing perinatal related mental health challenges.
Where and When – online meetings
Contact – juno.enquiries@gmail.com
The Listening Space (Health in Mind)
Speak 1:1 to a peer volunteer, followed by a group peer space.
Where and When – Online and in person (Gilmerton and Leith). Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.
Contact – Edinburgh@health-in-mind.org.uk or call 0131 225 8508
Lothian Bipolar Self Help Group
Information and peer support for people affected by bipolar.
Where and When – monthly hybrid meetings (option to attend online or in person). All ages group; 18-30 group and Carers Group.
Contact – info@bipolaredinburgh.org.uk
Mental Health Peer Support Group
The group is welcoming of anyone who has been struggling with their mental health, and who would like to receive and offer peer support to others as a part of a group.
Where and When – Bridgend Farmhouse, Thursdays 2-3.30pm
Contact – luisa.brown@bridgendfarmhouse.org.uk. Please let Luisa know in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.
Vocalilse – A Hearing Voices Support Group
Currently on hold – A peer support group for people who have unusual experiences such as hearing sounds or voices other people don’t, seeing visions or having alternative beliefs. This group is a safe place to share these experiences with others going through similar things, as well as to discuss the difficulties (and benefits) of these experiences. The group runs for 1 hour with refreshments
Where and When – Eric Liddell Centre, 15 Morningside Road, EH10 4DP on Mondays 7-8pm
Contact – VocaliseHVG@hotmail.com – this group is currently in hold and therefore may not get back back to you immediately
Grief and Bereavement
SoBs Edinburgh (Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide)
For people who have lost somebody to suicide.
Where and When – Online (Zoom) last Thursday of the month, 7pm to 8.30pm. In person second Tuesday of the month, 6.30pm to 8.30pm in a central Edinburgh location.
Contact – edinburgh@uksobs.org
Friends and Family
Eating Disorder Carers Peer Support Group (Edinburgh Carers Council)
Monthly peer support groups specifically for carers supporting an adult (aged 16+ years) with an eating disorder.
Where and When – last Tuesday of the month at Great Michael House. Another group is based at the Regional Eating Disorder Unit at St John’s Hospital in Livingston for carers of inpatients and recently discharged patients.
Contact – josh@edinburghcarerscouncil.co.uk
Family Support Group (Connecting Craigmillar)
For family members of anyone affected by addiction, living in the greater Craigmillar area.
Where and When – In person on Monday afternoons.
Contact – connectingcraigmillar@gmail.com or call Angela on 07909257415 or Will on 07909257414
Lothian Bipolar Carers Group
Information and peer support for people who care for somebody affected by bipolar.
Contact – info@bipolaredinburgh.org.uk
Peer Support Group for Carers (Edinburgh Carers Council)
Monthly peer support group for carers supporting someone experiencing mental health difficulties. Carers supporting someone with dementia, learning disability, autism spectrum condition, or traumatic brain injury are welcome to attend.
Where and When – Last Friday of the month at Redhall Walled Gardens
Contact – rachael@edinburghcarerscouncil.co.uk
Rainbow Recovery
Peer support group for people dealing with another person’s addiction.
Contact – Hello.rainbowrecovery@gmail.com
Support for Carers (Health in Mind)
Courses and peer spaces for carers.
Contact – paulina.szach@health-in-mind.org.uk / 07435274586