Overview
We have been running support group sessions since January 2002. The group originally started in Bath with only two members and two organisers. This collection of information
is intended for those members who new to the group or who are considering attending
for the first time, although it may still provide useful information for
established members.
Who
are we?
The
group comprises a diverse range of people, some of whom may just be starting
to learn about their social anxiety, while others may already have
put a fair amount of work into making changes and are looking for a little more support along
the way.
The group is solely intended for people experiencing social anxiety and we unfortunately can't provide support for people with other anxiety conditions who do not also experience social anxiety. We believe that this is very important for a social anxiety group and means that members will feel understood and supported. This helps create an environment within which members are more able to open up and talk about their difficulties. Facilitators aim to create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere, but this is also down to all members of the group to help to create.
Why
we started?
The group initially started to increase the amount of support available for people in the west of england. We
are currently one of only a few active support groups that we
know of specific to Social Anxiety in the West of England.
Who
is the group for?
The
group is for people who are currently or who have previously experienced social anxiety to such an extent where it has been detrimental to their quality of life or well-being who
wish to...
- Talk to people who understand
- Make new friends
- Gain access to useful resources and contact information
- Share their social anxiety related experiences with others
- Share social anxiety related knowledge they have gained to help other members
- Practice social skills in a safe environment
- Help run and contribute to the group
- Receive help with increasing their social confidence
- Find out about anxiety related events
- Talk about their current and past difficulties in a safe confidential environment
- Who wish to come to the group for other similar reasons
- Or who just need a reason to get out of the house and meet with people.
Usually between 5 and 15 people attend each week, we have many other members who only attend occasionally. We welcome all people of all ages, sex and race. You can expect to meet a group of supportive and caring people. Any people experiencing social anxiety in the country (or even the world!) are welcome to attend if they can make it. If you do live far away then please contact us first as we may know of a social anxiety group nearer you, saving you time and money while giving you the opportunity to meet other people in you area.
How to join the group
Please read our 'What is SA?' section first. If this description of social anxiety or any of the descriptions of social anxiety on the linked web sites closely describes your difficulties or difficulties you've had in the past then please feel free to turn up to a session. There is no formal joining procedure for the group and you do not have to contact us first unless you wish to.
Main aims of SA-West
- To provide a safe, supportive and confidential environment for people experiencing social anxiety, allowing them to talk openly about their difficulties.
- For the above to help members create positive changes in their lives that helps them increases their social confidence.
- To promote public awareness of what social anxiety is.
- To help make social anxiety specific support and resources accessible to as many people as possible.
- To provide useful resources and information for people who have experienced social anxiety so that they can help themselves achieve social confidence.
What
happens outside the group?
One of our members holds the role of social secretary and will endeavor to help organise social get-together's between members outside of the regular group sessions. Please ask for more information about this when attending one of our sessions.
In addition to this an informal social group, setup by one of our original members, for current and previous members of the group, is held at a pub near our venue at Redland Library. This usually starts at 8pm and those who wish to can meet up with them after the session at Redland Library finishes. Again please ask for more information about this when attending one of our sessions.
Information about other social get-together's is sometimes available through an internet group set up by one of our members. This can be accessed here.
SA - UK Bristol
SA West is not responsible for the contents of 3rd party web sites or activities that take place outside of the regular weekly sessions at Redland Library.
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Social Anixety UK (SA-UK) |