Our Groups
Here at BIG we offer Peer Support through the means of support groups on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and social groups on Friday and Sunday during the day. Our groups are held in different venues in the local community. We offer a safe, welcoming environment where you will meet like-minded people who understand what it is like living with a mental health condition. People who attend say they no longer feel alone and have a sense of belonging. Our service users are at different stages in their recovery and we provide mutual support and hope to one another. We do not provide individual support for people at BIG.
All groups are free to attend but we do appreciate a voluntary contribution towards the cost of refreshments and room hire. Most people give a donation of £1 at each group. We rely on donations to run our service and we are very grateful for people’s generosity. Donate now
You can just turn up to our groups. When you are new to our service, please tell a volunteer on arrival. You will be asked to complete a short registration form before going into the group. This only has to be done at the first BIG group you attend. We do not expect you to make a commitment to attend every week and you will not be put under any pressure to talk in our groups. All we ask is that our ground rules are respected to ensure all present feel safe and that our groups run smoothly. Please note that if you have drank alcohol or used drugs on the day of the group, you will not be allowed to attend. Ground Rules
Calendar
Events in December 2020
- Recovery Group
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Recovery Group
United Reformed ChurchParsons LaneBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0LYShare your experiences in a safe and welcoming environment whilst learning from our guest speakers.
Discussion group covering various mental health topics and related subjects, Talks are given by psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, lecturers and service users. We provide a welcoming, safe environment where we enjoy sharing our experiences, supporting one another and providing a successful journey of recovery. The group enables you to learn about mental health, improving your knowledge and understanding.
The Recovery Group meets 6.15 pm to 8.15 pm, every Tuesday, at the United Reformed Church, Parsons Lane, BL9 0LY. Access via the lower entrance in the car park.
- Peer Support Group
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Peer Support Group
Bury Samaritans Branch13 Knowsley StreetBury, BL9 0STAn abstinence focused group for anyone looking for support for a mental health and substance or alcohol problem.
The group provides a safe space for people who have both a mental health condition and an addiction. The group allows people to discuss both of their illnesses with other people who can relate to their experiences and offer support. The group is only for people who want to completely give up their addiction and maintain their recovery. (Please note that if you have used drugs or alcohol on the day, you cannot attend the group).
The Peer Support Group meets 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, every Thursday, at the Bury Samaritans Branch, 13 Knowsley St, Bury, BL9 0ST.
- Drop-In
–
Drop-In
United Reformed ChurchParsons LaneBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0LYJoin us for a cup of coffee and a chat.
An open space for people to chat and enjoy themselves in a relaxed and homely atmosphere and make new friends. The group provides an opportunity for people to speak with a volunteer and find out more about our service and other organisations.
The Drop-In meets 1 pm to 3 pm, every Friday, at the United Reformed Church, Parsons Lane, BL9 0LY.
Access via the lower entrance in the car park. - Social
–
Social
Castle Leisure CentreBolton StreetBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0EZTake part in the arts and crafts, relax with a cup of tea or join in the conversation.
An active, lively and fun group for people to come and take part in a range of activities or relax with a warm drink and talk with friends. Activities including Arts & Crafts; Quizzes; Board games; Bingo; Meditation; Music and Karaoke; Computers for Beginners & Creative Writing.
The Social meets 1 pm to 3 pm, every Sunday, in the Restart Room, at the Castle Leisure Centre, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EZ - Anxiety and Depression Group
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Anxiety and Depression Group
Castle Leisure CentreBolton StreetBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0EZDo you suffer from Anxiety or Depression?
Our weekly Anxiety and Depression support group is free and open to anyone over the age of 18 who'd like support if they are feeling anxious or depressed. The group is a safe space for people to come together to share their experiences, listen and learn from others in a none judgemental environment.
The Anxiety and Depression group meets 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, every Monday, in the Restart Room, at the Castle Leisure Centre, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EZ
- Recovery Group
–
Recovery Group
United Reformed ChurchParsons LaneBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0LYShare your experiences in a safe and welcoming environment whilst learning from our guest speakers.
Discussion group covering various mental health topics and related subjects, Talks are given by psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, lecturers and service users. We provide a welcoming, safe environment where we enjoy sharing our experiences, supporting one another and providing a successful journey of recovery. The group enables you to learn about mental health, improving your knowledge and understanding.
The Recovery Group meets 6.15 pm to 8.15 pm, every Tuesday, at the United Reformed Church, Parsons Lane, BL9 0LY. Access via the lower entrance in the car park.
- Peer Support Group
–
Peer Support Group
Bury Samaritans Branch13 Knowsley StreetBury, BL9 0STAn abstinence focused group for anyone looking for support for a mental health and substance or alcohol problem.
The group provides a safe space for people who have both a mental health condition and an addiction. The group allows people to discuss both of their illnesses with other people who can relate to their experiences and offer support. The group is only for people who want to completely give up their addiction and maintain their recovery. (Please note that if you have used drugs or alcohol on the day, you cannot attend the group).
The Peer Support Group meets 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, every Thursday, at the Bury Samaritans Branch, 13 Knowsley St, Bury, BL9 0ST.
- Drop-In
–
Drop-In
United Reformed ChurchParsons LaneBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0LYJoin us for a cup of coffee and a chat.
An open space for people to chat and enjoy themselves in a relaxed and homely atmosphere and make new friends. The group provides an opportunity for people to speak with a volunteer and find out more about our service and other organisations.
The Drop-In meets 1 pm to 3 pm, every Friday, at the United Reformed Church, Parsons Lane, BL9 0LY.
Access via the lower entrance in the car park. - Social
–
Social
Castle Leisure CentreBolton StreetBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0EZTake part in the arts and crafts, relax with a cup of tea or join in the conversation.
An active, lively and fun group for people to come and take part in a range of activities or relax with a warm drink and talk with friends. Activities including Arts & Crafts; Quizzes; Board games; Bingo; Meditation; Music and Karaoke; Computers for Beginners & Creative Writing.
The Social meets 1 pm to 3 pm, every Sunday, in the Restart Room, at the Castle Leisure Centre, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EZ - Anxiety and Depression Group
–
Anxiety and Depression Group
Castle Leisure CentreBolton StreetBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0EZDo you suffer from Anxiety or Depression?
Our weekly Anxiety and Depression support group is free and open to anyone over the age of 18 who'd like support if they are feeling anxious or depressed. The group is a safe space for people to come together to share their experiences, listen and learn from others in a none judgemental environment.
The Anxiety and Depression group meets 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, every Monday, in the Restart Room, at the Castle Leisure Centre, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EZ
- Recovery Group
–
Recovery Group
United Reformed ChurchParsons LaneBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0LYShare your experiences in a safe and welcoming environment whilst learning from our guest speakers.
Discussion group covering various mental health topics and related subjects, Talks are given by psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, lecturers and service users. We provide a welcoming, safe environment where we enjoy sharing our experiences, supporting one another and providing a successful journey of recovery. The group enables you to learn about mental health, improving your knowledge and understanding.
The Recovery Group meets 6.15 pm to 8.15 pm, every Tuesday, at the United Reformed Church, Parsons Lane, BL9 0LY. Access via the lower entrance in the car park.
- Peer Support Group
–
Peer Support Group
Bury Samaritans Branch13 Knowsley StreetBury, BL9 0STAn abstinence focused group for anyone looking for support for a mental health and substance or alcohol problem.
The group provides a safe space for people who have both a mental health condition and an addiction. The group allows people to discuss both of their illnesses with other people who can relate to their experiences and offer support. The group is only for people who want to completely give up their addiction and maintain their recovery. (Please note that if you have used drugs or alcohol on the day, you cannot attend the group).
The Peer Support Group meets 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, every Thursday, at the Bury Samaritans Branch, 13 Knowsley St, Bury, BL9 0ST.
- Drop-In
–
Drop-In
United Reformed ChurchParsons LaneBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0LYJoin us for a cup of coffee and a chat.
An open space for people to chat and enjoy themselves in a relaxed and homely atmosphere and make new friends. The group provides an opportunity for people to speak with a volunteer and find out more about our service and other organisations.
The Drop-In meets 1 pm to 3 pm, every Friday, at the United Reformed Church, Parsons Lane, BL9 0LY.
Access via the lower entrance in the car park. - Social
–
Social
Castle Leisure CentreBolton StreetBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0EZTake part in the arts and crafts, relax with a cup of tea or join in the conversation.
An active, lively and fun group for people to come and take part in a range of activities or relax with a warm drink and talk with friends. Activities including Arts & Crafts; Quizzes; Board games; Bingo; Meditation; Music and Karaoke; Computers for Beginners & Creative Writing.
The Social meets 1 pm to 3 pm, every Sunday, in the Restart Room, at the Castle Leisure Centre, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EZ - Anxiety and Depression Group
–
Anxiety and Depression Group
Castle Leisure CentreBolton StreetBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0EZDo you suffer from Anxiety or Depression?
Our weekly Anxiety and Depression support group is free and open to anyone over the age of 18 who'd like support if they are feeling anxious or depressed. The group is a safe space for people to come together to share their experiences, listen and learn from others in a none judgemental environment.
The Anxiety and Depression group meets 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, every Monday, in the Restart Room, at the Castle Leisure Centre, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EZ
- Recovery Group
–
Recovery Group
United Reformed ChurchParsons LaneBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0LYShare your experiences in a safe and welcoming environment whilst learning from our guest speakers.
Discussion group covering various mental health topics and related subjects, Talks are given by psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, lecturers and service users. We provide a welcoming, safe environment where we enjoy sharing our experiences, supporting one another and providing a successful journey of recovery. The group enables you to learn about mental health, improving your knowledge and understanding.
The Recovery Group meets 6.15 pm to 8.15 pm, every Tuesday, at the United Reformed Church, Parsons Lane, BL9 0LY. Access via the lower entrance in the car park.
- Peer Support Group
–
Peer Support Group
Bury Samaritans Branch13 Knowsley StreetBury, BL9 0STAn abstinence focused group for anyone looking for support for a mental health and substance or alcohol problem.
The group provides a safe space for people who have both a mental health condition and an addiction. The group allows people to discuss both of their illnesses with other people who can relate to their experiences and offer support. The group is only for people who want to completely give up their addiction and maintain their recovery. (Please note that if you have used drugs or alcohol on the day, you cannot attend the group).
The Peer Support Group meets 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, every Thursday, at the Bury Samaritans Branch, 13 Knowsley St, Bury, BL9 0ST.
- Drop-In
–
Drop-In
United Reformed ChurchParsons LaneBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0LYJoin us for a cup of coffee and a chat.
An open space for people to chat and enjoy themselves in a relaxed and homely atmosphere and make new friends. The group provides an opportunity for people to speak with a volunteer and find out more about our service and other organisations.
The Drop-In meets 1 pm to 3 pm, every Friday, at the United Reformed Church, Parsons Lane, BL9 0LY.
Access via the lower entrance in the car park. - Social
–
Social
Castle Leisure CentreBolton StreetBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0EZTake part in the arts and crafts, relax with a cup of tea or join in the conversation.
An active, lively and fun group for people to come and take part in a range of activities or relax with a warm drink and talk with friends. Activities including Arts & Crafts; Quizzes; Board games; Bingo; Meditation; Music and Karaoke; Computers for Beginners & Creative Writing.
The Social meets 1 pm to 3 pm, every Sunday, in the Restart Room, at the Castle Leisure Centre, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EZ - Anxiety and Depression Group
–
Anxiety and Depression Group
Castle Leisure CentreBolton StreetBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0EZDo you suffer from Anxiety or Depression?
Our weekly Anxiety and Depression support group is free and open to anyone over the age of 18 who'd like support if they are feeling anxious or depressed. The group is a safe space for people to come together to share their experiences, listen and learn from others in a none judgemental environment.
The Anxiety and Depression group meets 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, every Monday, in the Restart Room, at the Castle Leisure Centre, Bolton Street, Bury, BL9 0EZ
- Recovery Group
–
Recovery Group
United Reformed ChurchParsons LaneBury, Greater Manchester BL9 0LYShare your experiences in a safe and welcoming environment whilst learning from our guest speakers.
Discussion group covering various mental health topics and related subjects, Talks are given by psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, lecturers and service users. We provide a welcoming, safe environment where we enjoy sharing our experiences, supporting one another and providing a successful journey of recovery. The group enables you to learn about mental health, improving your knowledge and understanding.
The Recovery Group meets 6.15 pm to 8.15 pm, every Tuesday, at the United Reformed Church, Parsons Lane, BL9 0LY. Access via the lower entrance in the car park.
- Peer Support Group
–
Peer Support Group
Bury Samaritans Branch13 Knowsley StreetBury, BL9 0STAn abstinence focused group for anyone looking for support for a mental health and substance or alcohol problem.
The group provides a safe space for people who have both a mental health condition and an addiction. The group allows people to discuss both of their illnesses with other people who can relate to their experiences and offer support. The group is only for people who want to completely give up their addiction and maintain their recovery. (Please note that if you have used drugs or alcohol on the day, you cannot attend the group).
The Peer Support Group meets 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm, every Thursday, at the Bury Samaritans Branch, 13 Knowsley St, Bury, BL9 0ST.
Anxiety and Depression Group
For anyone looking for support for anxiety or depression.
Recovery Group
Share your experiences in a safe and welcoming environment whilst learning from our guest speakers.
Peer Support Group
An abstinence focused group for anyone looking for support for both mental health and addiction.
Drop-in
Join us for a cup of coffee and a chat.
Social
Take part in the arts and crafts, relax with a cup of tea or join in the conversation.
Ward Group
The inpatient peer support group is only accessible to patients on the Irwell Unit Psychiatric Ward at Fairfield Hospital. The group provides patients with a safe and non judgemental space to share their experiences with people who can relate to them. Patients get the opportunity to find out all about BIG so they can access our support when discharged from hospital.
Group Rules
These are the ground rules that must be adhered to by anyone attending the groups at BIG.
1. Everyone who attends the groups must sign in and sign out.
2. Please switch off mobile phones or put them on silent.
3. Please respect one another’s views, suggestions and differences of opinion.
4. Be mindful of how much time you talk so that everybody has an opportunity to speak.
5. Anything expressed within the groups should be kept confidential.
6. Safeguarding – we will have to break confidentiality if we are made aware that you are a risk to yourself or others.
7. People are not allowed to attend the group if under the influence of alcohol or non-prescription drugs.
8. Please do not use offensive language.
9. All the venues where we hold our groups have a no smoking policy. If you smoke, please go outside the car park or to the designated smoking area.
10. Only volunteers are allowed in the kitchen.
11. If you are affected by anything said in the group, please do not leave until speaking to the facilitator or any of the volunteers. (Cards with details of the Samaritans are available for you to take in case you need to talk to someone outside of the group).
12. The group facilitators are not professionals and are not qualified to give advice. In case of an emergency please seek professional help.
Get in Touch. Get Involved.
We are always happy to hear from you. You can contact us by one of the following methods: