Peer Support Group - UK SOBS Wokingham

We have self-help support groups across the UK, where you can meet with other people who have been bereaved by suicide. They provide an opportunity to listen, to share, to ask questions and to connect with others.

Groups are led by a small team of volunteers, most have been bereaved by suicide themselves.   They typically meet once a month and last for around 2 hours.  There is no set structure to the session – people are free to talk and listen as they wish.  Many groups also offer a small resource library and can share information about local sources of support.

We know it takes courage to come to a group.  You won’t have to talk if you don’t want to – many people don’t, particularly the first time that they come.  You don’t have to come again – you don’t even have to stay for the whole session if you decide it’s not for you.  But most people return after their first meeting and find that over time, they gain the confidence to speak about themselves.  After a while they may also find they can offer support to others.  If you come to a group but decide that it is not the right thing for you at this time, you are welcome to return at a later date when you feel ready.

Our groups are led by our trained volunteers.  We typically have a team of 3 volunteers supporting each group.  All of our group facilitators have been bereaved by suicide themselves, not less than 2 years previously – as have the majority of our other volunteers.

These are not counselling session, rather groups that offer opportunites for self help and connecting people who have been bereaved so that they can support and share with each other. Some people attend groups as well as counselling sessions. If you want to find out more about counselling services, talk with your GP or have a look at other organisations.

Theo Wokingham group meets on the 1st Wednesday of every month