Our Groups
Here at BIG we offer Peer Support through the means of support groups on each week 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
Week of Mar 13th
| MonMonday | TueTuesday | WedWednesday | ThuThursday | FriFriday | SatSaturday | SunSunday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
13 March 2023(1 event)
6:30 pm: Stronger Together6:30 pm: Stronger Together – This is a support group for people who are feeling anxious, depressed, lost, in crisis, etc. The group is a safe space for people to come together to share their experiences and listen and learn from others in a non judgemental environment. (Please note this group does not take place on bank holidays) Castle Leisure Centre Bolton Street Bury, Greater Manchester BL9 0EZ |
14 March 2023(1 event)
6:30 pm: Recovery6:30 pm: Recovery – 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. United Reformed Church Parsons Lane Bury, Greater Manchester BL9 0LY |
15 March 2023(1 event)
1:00 pm: Calm in Crisis1:00 pm: Calm in Crisis – Support groups for people who are in crisis or hoping to prevent crisis point. The group takes place every Wednesday in Prestwich and every Thursday in Radcliffe. They are a safe space for people to come together to share their experiences and listen and learn from others in a non-judgemental environment. Just turn up! Church Lane Community Centre |
16 March 2023 |
17 March 2023(1 event)
1:00 pm: Drop-in1:00 pm: Drop-in – 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. United Reformed Church Parsons Lane Bury, Greater Manchester BL9 0LY |
18 March 2023 | 19 March 2023 |
Stronger Together
A safe space for people to share their experiences and listen and learn from others in a non judgemental environment.
Recovery
Share your experiences in a safe and welcoming environment whilst learning from our guest speakers.
Calm in Crisis
Support for people who are in crisis or hoping to prevent crisis point.
Drop-in
Join us for a cup of coffee and a chat.
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: