The importance of supportive relationships

We all need friends, someone to laugh with and share our hopes, fears and dreams. We all need someone who will stand by us through the good times and the bad, just as much as others will need us to do the same.

Unfortunately, relationships are often less straight forward than we might wish and the experience of mental and emotional distress can add further complications. For example, mental health problems can make it difficult for people to maintain and build relationships and can lead to a loss of self confidence and esteem.

This is where our Peer Support groups can help. They offer:

• a relaxed, safe and welcoming environment
• opportunities to meet people and make friend
• a chance to engage in a varied programme of activies
• an environment where people are accepted as individuals
• out of hours support, including evenings and weekends

	Friendship Network A group based service designed to help people to develop mutually supportive relationships and friendships.
	Horizons One-to-one social support working alongside other services to assist people with their individual goals and social needs.
	Meeting Places Open door social support meetings offering a varied programme of activities, to include weekends and evenings.
	Silver Socialites Over 65s social group including hot meals, outings and other activities.
	Tring Social Support Group