Support groups

Support groups may be useful

Support groups exist in many areas and are often organised around issues or topics. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are two well known support groups. Shine provides support groups called 'phrenz' groups to people affected by mental ill health. They also provide support groups to relatives of those with mental health problems.

Your local health centre or doctor may know about such groups.

People share their experiences

Support groups can be organised by professionals or by people who want to share their experiences about coping with a common problem or concern. People who have the same problem or concern can join these groups and offer support to other people as well as discuss their own issues and seek support. 

Other prominent support groups

Bodywhys - The Eating Disorder Association of Ireland

Bodywhys have support groups in Dublin, Carlow and Galway. They operate two types of support groups, one for people with eating disorders, and another for families and friends. Support emails can now be sent to alex@bodywhys.ie

Bodywhys also have a weekly online support group for those who may be unable to get to support groups in the above areas.

BeLonG To, a support service for Bisexual, Lesbian, gay and Transexual young people aged 14-23, also run an online support service at the weekends.

Contact them for more information at 01 6770 6223 or email them at info@belongto.org

Other people to talk to

Samaritans Ireland (1850 60 90 90) are a listening support service. You can read about other services on this site, and you can also see the getting help section on the HeadsUp website for a list of professionals in your area.