Guides to peer support

• What is a peer support group?

  A peer support group is a small, regular gathering of people who have been through something similar, such as grief, anxiety, depression or an abusive relationship, who take turns sharing and listening so nobody has to carry it alone.

• Peer support vs therapy: what's the difference?

  Therapy is treatment from a trained, licensed professional who can assess and diagnose, while peer support is help from people who have lived through something similar; they meet different needs and work well together.

• What to expect at your first online support group

  At your first online support group you join a small video call, hear a short welcome, and then people take turns to share while others listen; you can just listen the whole time if you like, and nobody will put you on the spot.

• How to find a free online support group

  To find a free online support group, look for a service that runs live groups on your specific topic at times that suit you, with clear community guidelines and crisis information; Heal Kinder runs free live video groups on more than forty topics.

• Online vs in-person support groups

  Online support groups are easier to get to, feel more private for many people and cover more specific topics, while in-person groups offer face-to-face contact in your local area; many people find online groups the easiest way to start.

• Are online support groups safe?

  Online support groups can be very safe when they have clear guidelines, trained or experienced hosts, a private way to report problems and clear crisis information; check for all four before you join.

• Small daily habits that help you heal

  Healing rarely happens in one big moment: small, steady habits, like writing a few lines in a journal, noticing how you feel each day and showing up to a regular support group, help you understand yourself, ease stress and stay connected, even on the harder days.