About our Self Help Support Groups
- What do the groups offer?
- How are they run?
- Will I get advice?
- Is there a cost involved?
- What might I gain?
- Is there a group in my area?
- Living Life to the Full Groups
Depression Alliance Scotland (DAS) has a network of self-help groups around the country. These are run by and for people with experience of low mood, anxiety and depression, and will provide a safe and supportive environment
What do the groups offer?
The focus of the groups is to offer people affected by depression the opportunity for confidential local support, contact with others in a similar situation and the opportunity to explore positive ways of coping with depression.
How are they run?
Anyone is welcome (not just DAS members) to attend. Meetings are organised locally and work on the basis of confidentiality and mutual respect. Group facilitators are screened by DAS and receive training and support to enable them to be effective facilitators. People may say as much or as little as they wish, and facilitators will try to ensure that everyone has the chance to participate as they want to. Although the groups are discussion-based, most groups also have a programme of guest speakers and/or workshops. Each group will also have a set of ground rules, decided by and for the group, so that members can have a say in what will make it a safe, acceptable and enjoyable space in which to meet
Will I get advice?
Group members and facilitators are, of course, free to share information about drug treatments, complementary medicine and talking therapies informally based on their opinions and experience. However, neither DAS nor volunteers give advice on medical matters, except to suggest seeking qualified professional guidance, and advice given in groups does not reflect the views or opinions of DAS.
Is there a cost involved?
DAS will cover the costs of setting up the group, but you may be asked to donate a small amount at each meeting to help cover the cost of refreshments. This amount is usually £1, but may vary slightly from group to group
What might I gain?
Members of past groups have reported that they value being able to speak openly, gain confidence, learn more about aspects of depression, establish a routine of attending meetings, build social contacts, and give and receive support from others.
Is there a group in my area?
Groups are currently available in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness and Dundee. The
list of groups currently operating can be found here. Occasionally, because of the high demand for some of our groups, you
might find there is
a waiting list and this will be noted on the groups page. All our groups currently have spaces and you are welcome to go along to any meeting which is suitable for you. You can download a list of dates for each group. You can be sure you will be made very welcome if you do decide
to go.
Living Life to the Full Groups
Living Life to the Full Groups are different from our other groups. Living Life to the Full is a series of structured groups, each involving eight sessions based on a cognitive behavioural self-help approach. You can have a look at the materials on www.livinglifetothefull.com. By attending a group, people will learn useful skills for overcoming stress and anxiety, build confidence and importantly, learn new ways to tackle difficult situations. The groups will cover issues such as understanding why we feel as we do, problem solving, relaxation, overcoming reduced activity, changing unhelpful thinking, helpful and unhelpful behaviour and healthy living. The groups are free and you will also receive a free copy of Overcoming Depression and Low Mood by Dr Chris Williams as well as other materials.
At present we are only funded to offer these groups those aged between 18 and 35.
Find out about current Living Life to the Full Groups.
