All groups currently open to new members

Bristol's Social Phobia Self-help/Support Group

If you suffer with Social Phobia/Social Anxiety Disorder or Shyness and are looking for a support group in Bristol, Bath or the West then you have found the right website. Our groups support people with social anxiety by providing social opportunities and self-help information. Whether you want to make new friends, get help with reducing anxiety, be more socially active, increase confidence or just gain a little emotional support, then our group can help.

You are not alone

Research suggests that Social Phobia is the most common anxiety disorder, so you are definitely not alone. Many of our members find it really beneficial to meet a group of others who are going through similar challenges. If you feel suck and hopeless about overcoming your social anxiety then it can be really helpful to see that others, in the same situation as you, have managed to make progress and create an enjoyable social life. A social anxiety support group offers a lot of other benefits too so why not give one a try.

I am so lonely I sounded so stupid
All I need is a friend I can't show the real me
I feel embarrassed and blush Why is it only me?
My mind keeps racing
I don't know what to say
No one likes me Why do I sweat so much?
I can't stop shaking and trembling
People might see I'm anxious
My heart is pounding I'm not good enough
I feel acutely self-conscious all the time
It feels like everyone is laughing at me
Why can't I speak? They think I'm boring
I need to appear more confident
I feel so tense and awkward I want to hide or run away
They must have thought I was an idiot

If this describes your thoughts then you may be suffering with social anxiety

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Amendments to Schedule

Wednesday 16th November 2011
The Understand and Overcome session and talk scheduled for Sunday 27 November 2011 will now be replace with a topic session on assertiveness. There will be no more understand and overcome sessions now until 2012. Apologies for this change. View the Session Schedule.

Before attending a session

Wednesday 14th September 2011
If you are new to the groups then note that we run different types of sessions on different weeks. We usually recommend new members start with a New Member's Session or a Topic Session although you can start with any session you feel comfortable with. View the Session Schedule.

2011 Session Schedule now available

Saturday 22nd Jan 2011
The new session schedule for 2011 is now available. This includes a new type of session called Understand & Overcome which replaces Question & Answer Sessions. View 2011 Session Schedule.

New Member's Session 2nd Jan 2011

Thursday 30th Dec 2010
Our first session of 2011 welcomes new people into the group who are suffering with social anxiety. The session focuses on hearing about other's experiences of social anxiety so you can know that there are people in the group who understand what you are going through. As usual, there is no pressure to contribute. If you are suffering with social anxiety then please join us. Just turn up at 2:20pm, Quaker's meeting house, 300 Gloucester Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 8PD. Free parking in near by streets is always available.

New Website Section!

Thursday 21st October 2010
There is a new 'Independent Living' section of this website that aims to help you develop the skills and confidence to live independently. It currenly covers healthy eating and basic cookery. It is hard to ask when you experience social anxiety so we want to help you teach yourself. More topics and pictures to follow. Click to visit the Independent Living section

All Groups Open

Saturday 9th October 2010
The Thursday group has now re-opened to new members meaning new members are welcome to attend all our groups.

No Progress Checklist

Friday 20th August 2010
A checklist has been put together for people who feel they are not making any progress with overcoming their difficulties with social anxiety. The list provides an overview of things you need to do (or be doing) to make progress. Download the No Progress Checklist (PDF)

Mobile Device Friendly

Saturday 23rd July 2010
Our website should now be more mobile device friendly if you wish to view it on your phone, blackberry or other handheld device.

Socials Survey Report

Saturday 17th July 2010
To help us find ways to make our monthly socials more accessible to group members we conducted a survey to identify the barriers people face. Below you can download the report of the results. Download Socials Survey Report (PDF)

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