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Peer Support

Struggling with life or your mental health?

Feel like nobody understands?

Want to learn ways to manage the stresses in your life?

 

Our peer-led skills and support groups might help. We understand because we’ve been there.

We are pleased to offer groups both in-person and online. Please see below for our current programme of courses, workshops and support groups.

To book, please complete this short form. Please note, your place is not guaranteed until you receive confirmation from us.

For further information, please call us on 0113 305 5800 (Leeds Mind reception) or email us on peersupport@leedsmind.org.uk.

Places are limited so booking is essential.

Contact Peer Support

0113 305 5800 (Leeds Mind reception)

Feedback on our groups includes:

“Although we are apart we can still support each other and are together online”

“It’s easy to get stuck inside your own head in isolation so good to get input from others and get ideas and reminders about how to look after our wellbeing.”

“It is possible to connect and get support online and I can meet new people online and face anxiety and it’s ok. It’s not as bad as I think it will be.”

“I have learned how to look after myself when shielding from Covid-19. I have enjoyed being around others and learned from their experience.”

“An awkward new format was made less awkward by great facilitating.”

Introduction to Peer Support

Our Introduction to Peer Support is an opportunity to find out how peer support can help you, and get a taste of the types of activities you can expect in our groups.

All new group members need to attend an Introduction to Peer Support. This is available in the following ways: 

  • Each course has an Introduction to Peer Support at the start (dates under ‘Courses’ below) 
  • For workshops or groups, please book onto a separate Introduction to Peer Support (dates below) 
  • Not sure which option is best for you? Please contact us or book onto an Introduction to Peer Support to get a taste of what we offer. 

To book, please complete this short form. Please note your place is not guaranteed until you receive a booking confirmation from us. You can also book by calling us on 0113 305 5800 (Leeds Mind reception) or emailing peersupport@leedsmind.org.uk.

Before attending, please take a few minutes to download and read the following documents:

  1. Guidelines for peer support groups (online guidelines on page 1, general guidelines page 2-3)
  2. Peer Support attendance policy
  3. Guide to using Zoom for online Peer Support

Introduction to Peer Support dates:

-Thursday, 2pm – 4pm, 08/05/2025, Delacey House, Kirkstall-

-Monday, 2pm – 4pm, 19/05/2025, Online via Zoom-

Courses

  • If you are a new group member, you need to attend the Introduction to Peer Support in week 1 of the course.
  • If you have attended our groups before, you can join the course in either week 1 or week 2.

image 1Autism and Me  

 This course has been designed with and for anyone who identifies as autistic (diagnosed, self-identifying, or questioning) and experiences mental health difficulties. If you are unsure whether this course is suitable for you, please get in touch. 

The course begins with Introduction to Peer Support; if you have already attended this, you can join the course at Week 2. 

This 5-week course is an opportunity to explore: 

  • Emotional Processing and Regulation 
  • The Weight of Masking 
  • Burnout and Exhaustion 
  • Self Advocacy and Communication 

— Mondays, 02/06/2025 – 30/06/2025, 2pm – 4pm. This group will be run hybrid so you can attend either join online via zoom or in person at Clarence House, Horsforth —

To book your place fill in this form, email peersupport@leedsmind.org.uk or call Leeds Mind reception on 0113 3055800


Workshops

 

Forgiveness and My Mental Health

In this workshop we will look at: 

  • What does forgiveness mean to me? 
  • The 4 steps to forgiveness 
  • What benefits do I think forgiveness will have on my health and wellbeing? 
  • What obstacles make it difficult for me to forgive? 

— Thursday 05/06/2025, 2pm – 4pm, Delacey House, Kirkstall —

To book your place fill in this form, email peersupport@leedsmind.org.uk or call Leeds Mind reception on 0113 3055800


Exploring Guilt

In this workshop we will look at: 

  • What guilt is and where it come from 
  • How guilt affects me 
  • How I can work towards feelings of self-worth?

— Thursday 15/05/2025, 2pm – 4pm, Clarence House, Horsforth —

To book your place fill in this form, email peersupport@leedsmind.org.uk or call Leeds Mind reception on 0113 3055800


Coping with Panic

In this workshop we will look at: 

  • What is panic and how does it affect me 
  • The cycle of panic model 
  • What helps me deal with panic 

— Thursday 22/05/2025, 2pm – 4pm, Delacey House, Kirkstall—

To book your place fill in this form, email peersupport@leedsmind.org.uk or call Leeds Mind reception on 0113 3055800


COMING SOON……

In future, we will be looking to offer a range of courses and workshops covering different content. This will include topics such as: assertiveness, mindfulness, self-compassion, isolation, confidence, resilience, panic, guilt, wellbeing, forgiveness and boundaries. If you’re interested in attending, please keep an eye on this part of the website or alternatively please contact us and ask to be added to our bulk emailing list where we will notify you of any new workshops and courses released.

Support Groups

Peer Support Group 

This group is open to anyone aged 18+ and offers the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of your mental health with weekly support, for 12 weeks in a safe, supportive environment with others who have a similar experience. 

Share such experiences, learn from other people’s coping strategies, receive support from them and Celebrate successes. 

Be reminded that you are not alone. 

— Wednesdays, 10am – 12pm, 30/04/2025 – 16/07/2025, Clarence House, Horsforth  —

To book your place fill in this form, use the QR code, email peersupport@leedsmind.org.uk or call Leeds Mind reception on 0113 3055800

QRCode for Open Minds Autism Booking Form 1 e1716909728197

COMING SOON……….

  • Living with Pain Support Group
  • Cultural Diversity Support Group

Hearing Voices Support Group

*Unfortunately we are not taking referrals at this time. Check back here for updates.

Sharing your experiences can help you to feel more at ease with the voices or unusual experiences you have. Everybody has different beliefs about what their voices or experiences are and where they come from. 

Some people believe that they are a symptom of their mental health, some people believe that they are the voices of spirits or gods; some people believe they are caused by trauma in their life. Whatever your beliefs, accepting your voices and experiences can be the first step in coping with them. We make no claims about what voices are or are not and we offer a space where everybody is respectful of each other’s beliefs. 

In this group, lived experience is valued and people can share and explore their own experiences, and develop personal coping strategies in a safe, confidential and non-judgemental environment. 

A previous group member said – “Makes me feel like I’m not so alone with my illness, having someone to talk to about similar things that are happening. Helps me understand things better when I hear about other people’s illness”.

To enquire please email peersupport@leedsmind.org.uk or call Leeds Mind reception on 0113 305 5800