Friends in Need is a friendly, welcoming peer support group run by Bucks Mind, designed to help you manage your mental health through uplifting, fun, and free of charge activities. We offer two types of groups: one for all adults and another for young people aged 17-25 (Peers2Pals).
Our groups are open to anyone in East Berkshire (including Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead, Bracknell, and Slough) who is experiencing mental health problems. We encourage self-referral as well as referrals from GPs, Social Prescribers, Talking Therapies, CAMHS, CMHT, and other local organisations.
Our timetable is shaped by our members and based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing: give, be active, take notice, learn, and give back. You can expect a wide variety of activities in a safe and supportive environment, with new members always welcome.
- No charge – all activities are free.
- Supportive peer environment for adults and young people (17-25).
- Activities designed to boost wellbeing, confidence, and self-esteem.
- Accessible for people with additional needs – please contact us to discuss your requirements.
To join or find out more, you can call, email, or complete the contact form. We look forward to welcoming you and hearing your ideas for future activities!
Testimonial: “If I hadn’t found Friends in Need, I would still be at home and not washing my hair or showering for weeks. I was suicidal but now I am about to start a new job. Coming to FiN has given me back my self-confidence, got rid of my feelings of worthlessness and given my self-esteem a boost. Being open about my depression within the group has helped me to be open in my interview, so my new employer knows about my mental health problems, which is a relief.”
Who is this suitable for?
Friends in Need – General Group
Open to all adults in East Berkshire (covering Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead, Bracknell and Slough) who are experiencing mental health problems. Our timetable offers a wide variety of activities and is shaped by our members.Self-referral is encouraged, as well as referrals from GPs, Social Prescribers, Talking Therapies and other local voluntary and statutory organisations.
Friends in Need – Peers2Pals
Open to all people aged between 17 to 25 years old in East Berkshire who are experiencing mental health problems. Our timetable offers a wide variety of activities and is shaped by our members.
Self-referral is encouraged, as well as referrals from GPs, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), the Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) as well as voluntary and community organisations.