BG-011Building Groups
Starting a Peer Support Group: A Practical Guide
A step-by-step guide to launching a peer support group, covering purpose, members, facilitation, privacy, and sustainability for community mental health.
What Is the First Step to Starting a Peer Support Group?
The first step is to get clear on your purpose and who the group is for. Peer support involves both giving and receiving support, where everyone's experiences are treated as equally important and no one is more of an expert than anyone else (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/peer-support). Ask yourself: Who is this group meant to serve? Is it for people with a specific condition, a particular community, or a broader mix? Your answers will shape everything from the meeting format to the language you use in outreach. Write a simple one-sentence purpose statement that you can share with potential members and allies. This clarity helps you stay focused and makes it easier for others to decide if the group is right for them.
Where and When Should You Meet?
Choose a location that is accessible, free or low-cost, and feels safe. Libraries, community centers, and places of worship often have meeting rooms available. Consider transportation options and whether the space is welcoming to all potential members. For timing, think about when your target members are likely available. Weekly or monthly meetings are common, but the frequency should match the group's energy and capacity. It may help to start with a limited number of sessions, such as six weeks, to see how it goes before committing to an ongoing schedule. This approach also gives members a clear endpoint if they want to reassess.
Who Should Be in the Group?
Members should be people who share the experience or identity the group is built around. Peer support can be for particular groups of people, such as those with a specific health condition or from a certain ethnic group, and it can be provided face-to-face, on the phone, or online (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/peer-support). Decide whether the group is open to everyone or requires a brief conversation before joining. Some groups ask potential members to self-identify as having lived experience, while others are open to allies. Be transparent about who the group is for and who it is not for. This prevents mismatched expectations and helps build trust.
How Do You Facilitate a Peer Group Without Becoming a Therapist?
Facilitation in peer support is about guiding the conversation, keeping time, and ensuring everyone who wants to speak has a chance. It is not about diagnosing, treating, or giving clinical advice. Peer support is very different from the tailored help you might get from a GP or counsellor (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-med-health/a-z-topics/peer-support). As a facilitator, your role is to model sharing from your own experience and to remind the group that what worked for one person may not be right for another. Use simple ground rules, such as confidentiality, respect, and no interrupting. If someone is in crisis, have a list of local helplines and mental health services ready to share. For more on this, see our article on facilitation basics.
What About Privacy and Records?
Privacy is a cornerstone of peer support. What is shared in the group should stay in the group. Avoid keeping detailed records of what individuals disclose. If you need to track attendance for funding or planning, use anonymous counts rather than names. Be clear with members about what information, if any, is recorded and how it will be used. For groups that meet online, remind members that they are responsible for their own privacy settings. For a deeper look, read our article on privacy and records in peer groups.
How Do You Handle Boundaries and Safety?
Boundaries protect both facilitators and members. Establish clear expectations about contact outside meetings, and avoid dual relationships that could complicate the group dynamic. Safety includes emotional safety: agree that no one has to share more than they are comfortable with. It also includes physical safety: choose a location that is well-lit and accessible, and consider having a buddy system for leaving late at night. If a member's behavior becomes disruptive, address it privately and calmly. For more guidance, see our article on boundaries and safety.
Comparison Table: Key Decisions for New Peer Groups
| Decision Area | Option A | Option B | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Membership | Open to all with lived experience | Closed group with screening | Open groups are easier to join; closed groups may feel safer for some |
| Format | In-person | Online or hybrid | In-person builds local connection; online increases access |
| Facilitation | Rotating peer facilitator | Consistent facilitator | Rotating shares power; consistent provides stability |
| Structure | Open discussion | Structured activities or topics | Structure helps shy members; open discussion feels freer |
| Duration | Time-limited (e.g., 6 weeks) | Ongoing | Time-limited reduces commitment; ongoing builds community |
How Do You Find Members and Spread the Word?
Start with your own networks and ask others to share. Local libraries, community centers, and GP surgeries often have notice boards. You can also reach out to local mental health organizations, such as local Minds, which may list your group in their peer support directory (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/peer-support). Online forums and social media can work, but be mindful of privacy. A simple flyer with the group's purpose, meeting time, location, and contact information is often enough. Word of mouth is powerful, so encourage current members to invite others who might benefit.
How Do You Sustain a Group Over Time?
Sustainability comes from shared ownership. Rotate facilitation if possible, and invite members to suggest topics or activities. Keep meetings predictable but allow flexibility. Check in regularly about what is working and what is not. Celebrate small milestones. If you plan to seek funding, be clear about your purpose and how it aligns with funders' goals. Remember that peer support can improve well-being, leading to fewer hospital stays, larger support networks, and better self-esteem, confidence, and social skills (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/peer-support). These outcomes can be part of your story when talking to potential supporters. For more ideas, see our article on sustaining a group over time.
When Should You Seek Outside Support?
If the group's needs exceed what peers can offer, it may be time to bring in outside support. This could mean inviting a guest speaker, partnering with a local mental health organization, or referring members to professional services. Peer support is not a replacement for clinical care. If a member is in crisis, follow your safety plan and connect them with emergency services or a crisis line. For more on this, see our article on referrals and warm handoffs. Always consult current official guidance for any medical or legal questions.
What Is the One Thing You Should Do First?
Pick a date, a place, and invite two or three people you trust. That is the seed of a peer support group. You do not need everything figured out before you start. The group will shape itself as it grows. Your role is to hold the space and let the shared experience do its work. Peer support is built on the belief that everyone's experiences are equally important, and that giving and receiving support can be transformative (https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/peer-support). Start small, stay open, and let the group find its way.
For further reading on national health planning and participation, see the WHO handbook on strategizing national health in the 21st century (https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549745).
