Experience with peer support groups?

Hi Caroline,

Thanks for your post. It's great that you're already taking steps to find support, and it sounds like you've got a good understanding of what your needs are right now. I've experienced similar situations where my needs have been urgent but I've been on long waiting lists - it can be incredibly distressing. At the time I had little option but to rely on my friends but I totally understand why there are lots of situations where this isn't appropriate.

Support groups can be a really great way of getting help, though I get why the idea might make you nervous. I think your best bet is to contact whatever group you had in mind and inquire about the format, and how it works. That way you can enter the situation with your eyes wide open, knowing what the meeting will bring. You could even ask if it's possible to talk to one or two people rather than the whole group, if this makes you feel more comfortable.

I do have another suggestion that doesn't involve group work. Two LGBT charities - London Friend and ELOP are offering online counselling for free at the moment. My instinct says this could, at the bare minimum, plug the gap between now and you starting with a local counsellor / therapist. I don't think they have long waiting lists either, if any at all.

London Friend - www.bit.ly/ldnfriend
ELOP - www.bit.ly/eloplgbt

I hope one of these proves helpful for you Let me know if there's any other way we can help.

Justin x