Peer-to-Peer Support Groups

I first met Becky by chance at an event raising awareness after 3 local girls h that had taken their own life. I had my own concerns after my daughter had been struggling with her own mental health and as a parent I was unsure of steps to take or where to turn. Becky was just starting up then and so I reached out to her via email and then went along to the first group to really look for support in others suffering with their mental health. Not only have the groups been inviting, but the various activities/services that Becky has been able to offer have given some hope and reassurance for knowing that there are so many different ways to try and help your mental health struggles and one size doesn’t fit all. These groups are vital to the local community and I can only see positive benefits of this group. Long may it be able to continue and grow.

When I was told about the Strength In Struggle‘ group it could not have come at a better time for me. Days before the 1st meeting I had hit rock bottom to the point that I set off for work one morning and just kept on driving, unsure of where I would end up but that disengaged with life that it was not a priory that day.

Being able to share my feelings, emotions, highs and lows with a small group of individuals with similar or the same experiences has been more therapeutic than spending two hours every other week with a clinical specialist. Why? Because these other lovely ladies have all walked a similar path and understand the daily struggles that we all share or recognise as a group.

Becks forming this group and organising the fortnightly meets with guest speakers, various activities and therapeutic walks has given us ladies a little sense of feeling that we aren’t broken but i fact just a little different. 

As a health professional myself, I believe the SIS group is a much needed safe space for ladies like me with various mental health needs. There literally just isn’t enough resources or funding available to help and support people in the Lancashire area.

I honestly can’t thank Becks enough for her time, energy and dedication for creating this amazing group. It truly is a lifeline to people like me.

Thanks Becks. You are one in a million.

 I first met Becks after seeing on Facebook about her new group to help people of all walks of life with their mental health

I arrived early sort of testing the waters so to speak and was amazed with her resilience and ease of her ability to talk about mental health issues and found that I could talk about my mental health issues.

And also meeting other like minded individuals at the Great Harwood branch and the all women’s group at Whalley who have there own struggles in every day life.

She has brought people in to talk about different ways of therapy and thinking. And I would love for it to continue. And for me seeing others who are taking the same medication as me and talking of what others have gone or going through.

My first trauma was when I was 8 yrs old and now 56 there was no groups or talks when I was young and told put it behind you … really. it’s want is needed is this group run by someone who has gone through it themselves.

This is the first time I have attended a group for my mental health issues. 

I was anxious at first but Beck made me feel really welcome and it was good to talk to the other ladies that are going through similar things and know how you feel in a non-judgemental way.

I have become more confident about going into a group setting. I feel that the group is helping me. I am glad there is a safe place for me to express myself in a non-judgemental way. Beck has made the group comfortable and safe for every member of the group to talk openly about all thing’s mental health.

The groups Beck provides are a brilliant resource and I am getting a lot out of them.

I feel the group is a life saver without the groups love and support I don’t know how I would get through as it prevents feeling alone & isolated and the group gives understanding support & I feel It is a life saver a family and don’t know how would get through. I wish it was on more like every day as I feel it’s a family community is what we all need. Somewhere to go with loving people as believe we all deserve that and the group means a lot to me. Especially if you don’t have a support network even more important and if they anything I can do to support the group I will in anyway I can as I very passionate about it! Beck your amazing we all behind you! 🥰

Groups like this are so needed & vital to help people who can share their struggles with everyday people instead of having to contact professionals in this field. 

I find this group really helps me as person, I wouldn’t normally talk to anybody about my current problems, as this group I can talk openly and express my feelings without being judged. I wouldn’t of known want to do without this group. Thank you

Beck’s group SIS at Whalley every other Tuesday, has encouraged me to attend with other people who have personal mental health struggles. The two I have attended so far have enabled me to feel I can share my concerns with others, who understand with no judgements. The 2nd session was on meditation & was very useful & interesting. Beck is amazing, she allows the sessions to run freely listens to our feedback & if we have any suggestions or ideas for other sessions which we may find beneficial. She too understands from her own lived experience, which makes such a difference as she has empathy & awareness more of what people are going through. She listens & genuinely wants to help people move forward. I am so grateful I became aware of Beck SIS & the groups she runs.