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:
- General Group: Open to all adults in East Berkshire (Windsor, Ascot, Maidenhead, Bracknell, and Slough) experiencing mental health problems.
- Peers2Pals: For people aged 17-25 in East Berkshire who are experiencing mental health problems.
Our timetable is shaped by our members and offers a wide variety of activities based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing: give, be active, take notice, learn, and give back. New members are always welcomed into a safe and supportive environment where you can connect with others who understand how you might be feeling.
Access: You can self-refer, or be referred by GPs, Social Prescribers, Talking Therapies, CAMHS, CMHT, or other local voluntary and statutory organisations. To join or find out more, call Ansa Khan on 07496 874882, email, or complete the contact form on our website.
Fees: There is no charge for this service.
Our aim is to increase community resilience and spread the word about the power of peer support. If you are part of the NHS, a charity, community group, or GP surgery and would like us to visit and explain our simple referral process, please get in touch.
Accessibility: If you need support to access this service (e.g. hearing loop, translator, mobility aids), please call 01494 463364 or email and we will discuss your individual needs.
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.