Peer support
Meet and share your experiences with people in a similar situation - and find the advice and support you need to live better
What is peer support?
Peer support is when people use their own experiences and knowledge to help one another. The support comes from other people in similar circumstances — rather than a healthcare professional or coach — so it's a less formal way to cope with things like chronic health conditions, bereavement, and living well. Everyone in the group is seen as an expert of their own health and wellbeing, and everyone's views and experiences are treated equally. And because peer support involves getting together as a group, it can help you to feel less isolated, too.
What happens at a peer support group?
Our peer support groups meet once a month for about an hour in community venues and GP surgeries across Doncaster. It's up to the group to decide what they'd like to talk about and how they want to structure the session. Groups can invite guest speakers, like local GPs or pharmacists, or organise sessions of yoga, tai chi, mindfulness, art therapy, or anything else they think would be helpful. And sometimes, they might just have a cup of tea and a chat. Every session is free, you don't have to book, and there's no pressure to contribute — just turn up and spend time with people who understand, and share, your situation.
Hallelujah, finally there's a group, I'm not on my own anymore. And to be with likeminded people, it's a relief
Fibromyalgia/chronic pain group member
it’s your mental health, I don't know about anybody else, but my mental health is a lot better when I've been to a group. I feel a lot happier when I go out that door and then obviously, yes, I'm thinking roll on, when the next one, because it’s only once a month
Fibromyalgia/chronic pain group member
It makes you feel less psychologically alienated
Respiratory group member
It's like new friends as well because I never came out the house. I stayed indoors because my mental health was struggling because my joints were hurting.....I've got a nice group of friends here. I feel a bit more human...
Fibromyalgia/chronic pain group member
I've got the wife back that used to be happy and love getting up in the morning. They’re beneficial to you, you need to go even if it means swapping from Tuesday and Wednesday to Friday. Do not give them groups up. So, that’s a testament to these groups
Fibromyalgia/chronic pain group member
Peer support
Below are the list of peer groups in Doncaster and which area they meet
Download the Peer Group Poster pack
Get the poster pack with shareable images and start spreading the word.
Start a group
Can’t find what you’re looking for? If you’d like to set up a group of your own, get in touch — we can help you apply for funding, reach new members, find places to meet and more. You can also download our Peer Support Toolkit, which is filled with useful resources to help you get started.
