Peer Support may be defined as the help and support that people with lived experience of mental distress are able to give to one another. It may be social, emotional or practical support but importantly this support is mutually offered and reciprocal, allowing peers to benefit from the support whether they are giving or receiving it. Non-judgemental and personal. Key elements of Peer Support in mental health include that it is built on shared personal experience and empathy, it focuses on an individual’s strengths not weaknesses, and works towards the individual’s wellbeing and recovery.
PEER SUPPORT GROUPS FOR ADULTS - FIVE FREE OPTIONS
Come together in a supportive, safe, and hope-focused environment.
Anxiety NZ Peer Support Groups are funded for people based in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
To find out more about community groups outside of Auckland, click here.
All Peer Group Facilitators are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
If you’d like to find out about having 1:1 therapy with a psychologist (in addition to or instead of joining a Peer Group) you can find out more by visiting Therapeutic Services.
Peer Support Groups
All Peer Support Groups below require either a self-referral or health professional referral. Click the button below to see the referral forms.
SOCIAL ANXIETY PEER SUPPORT GROUP - SATURDAYS
A small and safe group supporting those who experience social anxiety or social phobia.
An excellent opportunity to learn and practice new skills in a supported space.
Every second Saturday 3:30pm - 5:00pm
Location: Mt Albert/St Lukes
SOCIAL ANXIETY PEER SUPPORT GROUP - WEDNESDAYS
Fun, friendship, sharing and understanding in a safe and supportive environment.
Fortnightly Wednesdays 5:00pm - 7.00pm.
Location: Mt Albert/St Lukes
GENERAL PEER SUPPORT GROUP - THURSDAYS
Fun, friendship, sharing and understanding in a safe and supportive environment.
Facilitated by a registered psychologist.
Fortnightly Thursdays 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
Location: Mt Albert/St Lukes
BALANCE PEER SUPPORT GROUP - THURSDAYS
A safe space for women with anxiety to meet and have meaningful conversations in a confidential and supportive environment. Components of the meetings include psychoeducation, sharing experiences, practical strategies and resources.
Facilitated by two peer group facilitators.
Fortnightly Thursday 6:00pm - 8:00pm.
Location: Mt Albert/St Lukes
NORTHSHORE PEER SUPPORT GROUP - TUESDAYS
A gender inclusive group meeting in-person in Northcote Point, on the North Shore, Auckland. The aim is to provide a safe and supportive space to connect with others, share experiences, and learn practical skills to manage anxiety. Facilitated by two peer group facilitators.
Held fortnightly on Tuesdays at 5:30pm - 7:00pm
Location: Northcote, Auckland
Service User and Family/Whānau Participation Policies
Peer Support Group Agreement
To ensure that we are able to provide a safe and friendly space for everyone involved in Peer Support Groups, please review the Peer Group Agreement.
More Free Resources and Support
In addition to Peer Groups, we offer a variety of support such as:
Education and resources online that cover a wide variety of topics to support mental wellbeing
Monthly newsletter full of tips, resources, and more (get on the mailing list here)
1:1 therapy or counselling with a psychologist or mental health clinician (in addition or instead of joining a Peer Group). You can find out more by visiting Therapeutic Services.
More about Anxiety NZ
A guide to Anxiety NZ Trust's services and support.
Helpful links to get you connected.
Need Immediate Help?
If you are worried about the safety of a loved one, or someone else, you can call the Crisis Team on 0800 800 717 or dial 111 in an emergency.
Do you need support? Yellow Brick Road is a national organisation that provides support for whānau who have a loved one experiencing mental health challenges.
For more information about helping family / whānau visit mentalhealth.org.nz