What We Are

We are a small peer led non-profit charitable organisation (charity no: 1109165) that provides a holistic/family centred perspective in dealing with depression & mental health distress. We provide support for women & LGBTQI+ who have/had depression or related mental health distress. Our aim is to help them move on from their illness, which may have been straining on personal and family life, to a happier, more fulfilling life. This often means that the part we play in people’s journeys is in the gaps in statutory services, such as following therapy or  hospital discharge and before starting mental health services due to long waiting lists. 

Depression affects 1 in 6 people in the UK, meaning over 6 million people nationwide are currently experiencing depression. Women & LGBTQI+ are twice as likely as men to suffer from depression. We focus on women because many women have expressed that they face extra barriers to accessing Mental Health Services.

We provide friendly and empathetic group sessions in a private, safe environment. These are peer led – ‘expert by experience’. We also facilitate one-to-one counselling with qualified counselling professionals and students. Our service is free, confidential & regular contact is maintained & available throughout the year. Our facilities are situated on major public transport routes & are appropriate for individuals with physical disabilities. We take these steps for the safety of all parties.

Our Principles

Solidarity Reducing stigma Person-centred goals Equality and empowerment Independence and self empowerment Strength and potential Moving on Companionship Choice Building confidence

What we are Not

  • We do not make home visits. 
  • We appreciate individuals’ distress but have zero tolerance of violence towards members of staff & other group members. We are also unable to deal with high, acute depressive symptoms or crisis and may signpost you to more suitable local resources if suitable. 
  • We are unable to make medical referrals – these must come from general practitioners. Similarly we are not able to prescribe medication. 
  • The peer group is not a counselling group, however we are able to provide a 1:1 counsellor on request subject to availability.
  • We are not available 24 hours a day. We  endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible. 
  • Occasionally, the peer group size reaches it capacity and we cant take on new members. In this situation, you would be added to a waiting list and contacted when spaces become available.