Peer Support Groups
Connect, Share, and Grow Together
Action on Disability facilitates a variety of Peer Support Groups, offering a supportive space for members to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another. These groups cater to a wide range of interests and needs, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Timetable of Peer Support Groups
Creative Group
- Second other Wednesday at 1pm – 3pm.
- Where: Action on Disability, Centre for Independent Living, Ground Floor Office, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Atlee Court, London, SW6 7BF
Writing for Well-being
- Every Wednesday at 2pm.
- Where: Zoom online
Health and Wellbeing group
- Occurs once a month
- Where: Action on Disability, Centre for Independent Living, Ground Floor Office, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Atlee Court, London, SW6 7BF
The Health & Wellbeing Peer Support Group
A Sanctuary for Growth and Healing
Our Mission:
At the heart of the Health & Wellbeing Club is our commitment to creating a nurturing environment where every participant feels seen, heard, accepted, and valued. This group is specifically designed for adults living with mental health conditions, physical impairments, and carers seeking a supportive community to share their experiences and journeys towards wellbeing.
What We Offer:
Holistic Support: Our approach is holistic, focusing on the entire well-being of each participant. We believe in the power of cultivating joy, self-compassion, and resilience. Through a variety of healing techniques and self-soothing strategies, our workshops aim to:
- Enhance self-awareness of both mind and body.
- Improve self-management skills for a balanced life.
- Strengthen communication skills with health practitioners and the wider community.
- Encourage physical activity to reduce isolation.
- Boost self-confidence and emotional resilience.
Community Connection: The Health & Wellbeing Club is more than just a group; it’s a community. By connecting with others who truly understand the challenges and triumphs of living with disability or caring for someone who does, participants find a powerful source of motivation and inspiration.
Sign-Posting Services: We provide a comprehensive sign-posting service to support and resources from external agencies, ensuring participants have access to a wide range of assistance beyond our group meetings.
Join Us:
Meeting Times: We gather on the third Friday of each month, creating a regular space for connection and growth. Each session is designed to be engaging, informative, and, above all, supportive.
Membership: The club operates on a non-profit basis, with a nominal £2 monthly membership fee covering refreshments and contributing towards our annual Christmas party—a highlight of our social calendar.
Facilitation: Our sessions are led by Amanda Crosby, a dedicated trainer and group facilitator with extensive experience in fostering environments where individuals can thrive.
Get Involved
Whether you’re seeking support or wish to offer it, the Health & Wellbeing Peer Support Group welcomes you. To learn more about our group, upcoming sessions, or to register your interest, please reach out:
Email: info@aod.org.uk
Call: 020 7385 2098
Discover a place where you can truly be yourself, gain valuable insights, and embark on a path to improved well-being alongside peers who understand.
Creative Group Workshops
Unleash Your Creativity with AoD
Join us at Action on Disability for our Creative Group Workshops, where imagination meets community. Led by our enthusiastic volunteer Carol, these workshops are a celebration of creativity and connection. Whether you’re an experienced artist or just starting to explore your creative side, our sessions are designed to inspire and nurture everyone.
Workshop Details
When: Every other Wednesday, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Action on Disability, Ground Floor Office, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Atlee Court, London, SW6 7BF
What to Expect
- Creative Exploration: Dive into a world of creative art therapy, crafting, and more. Our workshops offer a variety of materials and activities, ensuring there’s something for every interest.
- Community and Connection: More than just an art class, our Creative Group is a place to make new friends, share stories, and support each other in our creative journeys.
- Making and Sharing: From items to wear to unique art pieces, you’ll have the opportunity to create something truly your own.
Join Us
We encourage a small contribution of £2 per session, which goes towards refreshments, materials, and group outings. This nominal fee helps enhance our gatherings and ensures everyone can enjoy a rich and rewarding experience.
How to Register
Spaces in our Creative Group Workshops are cherished, so we recommend registering early to secure your spot. To join us:
- Email: ellen.barnes@aod.org.uk
- Call: 0207 385 2098
Writing for Wellbeing Peer Support Group
Unleash Your Creativity and Wellbeing Through Writing
About the Group:
Join our Writing for Wellbeing group, a sanctuary where words heal, empower, and connect us. Facilitated by a professional counsellor, this group gathers fortnightly to explore the therapeutic power of writing in a safe and supportive environment. It’s a space to express emotions, share stories, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and understanding.
What We Do:
Our sessions are a blend of writing, reflection, and sharing, designed to:
- Release Emotions: Write freely, without concern for grammar or style, to express your inner thoughts and feelings.
- Foster Self-Understanding: Use writing as a tool to explore your identity and experiences.
- Build Community: Share your stories in a supportive setting, listen to others, and discover common threads of humanity.
- Enhance Wellbeing: Engage in creative expression to boost mental and physical wellbeing.
Who Can Join:
The group is open to all registered members of Action on Disability aged 18 and over. We strive to create an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and able to participate.
The Impact:
Writing for Wellbeing is more than just a writing group; it’s a pathway to:
- Personal Insight: Reflecting on your writing can offer profound insights into your life and feelings.
- Community and Connection: Sharing in a group reduces isolation, builds confidence, and fosters new friendships.
- Creative Joy: Discover the joy and laughter that comes from sharing stories and creative expression.
Join Us:
Whether you’re an experienced writer or have never written creatively before, your story matters. Our group meets:
- When: Every other Wednesday, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM, including a coffee break.
- Where: Zoom online, providing a convenient and comfortable space for all.
Get Involved
Ready to explore how writing can enhance your wellbeing? To join the Writing for Wellbeing Peer Support Group or for more information, please reach out:
Email: ellen.barnes@aod.org.uk
Call: 0207 385 2098
Dive into the world of writing with us and discover the transformative power of putting pen to paper.
Peer Support Group Member Testimonials
Joyce – Writing for Wellbeing member
“Writing For wellbeing is wonderful and has been such a help to me. It has given me a strength I never knew I had. Through the group I have met new people and gained confidence.
I enjoy it so much and during the past months I do not know how I would have managed without Mary’s phone calls; checking in with me, listening to pieces I have written, giving me more homework… writing prompts, story ideas and poetry suggestions to read.
Due to my illness and age, I have been indoors month after month. Words alone cannot express how grateful I am, both to Mary and Action on Disability; I could not have managed without the writing group.
It has meant everything to me. Thank You”
Richard – Writing for Wellbeing member
“Action on Disability has brought me into a group that I enjoy interacting with.
The Writing Group was a complete surprise as I did not know what I was letting myself in for.”
But the small group we have are nice and Mary is wonderful.
Writing helps me relax and is something to enjoy and look forward to.
Elizabeth – Writing for Wellbeing member
“Writing for Wellbeing has given me a focus, a discipline and increased awareness of my environment and this has helped me enormously over the past months.
I have learned a greater appreciation of poetry and brain storming activities have helped my concentration and my organizational skills.
Mary is always very encouraging and patient.”
Dulce – Writing for Wellbeing member
“Since I started attending this group my levels of stress and distress went down massively.
This group of people, type of course and Mary, all together is for me a therapy. I feel comfortable with all of them. What we share and speak and write is very relaxing for me. We don’t judge each other.”
Writing helps me relax and is something to enjoy and look forward to.
Leslie – Writing for Wellbeing member
“A friendly class where I write stories and poetry and have the opportunity to read my pieces out loud if I wish.”
