The Story behind our second peer support group in Elmbridge.
The group was established in 2024 and takes place for two hours every Friday in Hersham. It was created in response to an over-subscribed peer support group in West Molesey, where clients had to alternate attendance weeks. This highlighted a clear need for two weekly peer support groups within the Elmbridge area.
As we were already delivering a group in Elmbridge, we were unable to use statutory funding to support a second group. We therefore explored alternative funding options, and in 2024, The Elmbridge Partnership Fund awarded us a grant to launch this new group, enabling us to provide 48 weeks of peer support. Since May 2025, the group has been funded by Walton Charity, who have recently confirmed continued funding for a further two years, until May 2028.
The group provides an informal, welcoming space where individuals can meet regularly to support one another. As part of our co-produced approach, time is set aside to explore themes identified by the group or individual members. Sessions are facilitated by a trained psychotherapist, with additional support from a volunteer, and our Area Co-Ordinator may also attend occasionally.
Outcomes
* Provides regular, structured activity, helping to shape clients’ weekly routines;
* Offers signposting to other services and groups (within MFT and external providers);
* Reduces isolation and loneliness;
* Encourages sharing of personal experiences and helpful coping strategies;
* Fosters a strong sense of belonging and mutual support;
* Builds confidence and resilience.
This group has become a valued and consistent part of our clients’ weekly lives. It offers a safe space to talk openly, share experiences, and support others. We have seen meaningful connections form, with clients building friendships, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and even supporting each other in practical ways, such as offering lifts.
We asked our clients who attend this group what it has meant to them:
Client 1:
“I have only been attending the Group since the beginning of November but in that short time the Group has significantly contributed to a noticeable improvement in my mental health. The facilitator is excellent and does a professional and expert job in mediating and facilitating discussion within the group. It provides a unique opportunity to discuss and articulate personal issues and difficulties in a non-judgmental and empathic / sympathetic environment – I have no other means or forum for doing this. Prior to joining the group such issues simply ran endlessly around in my head with no way to express them. Now that I can do so has led directly to this improvement in my mental health.
Not surprisingly and in the light of this attending the Group is very important to me and plays an important role in my life.”
Client 2:
“I would say this group helped me for the following reasons:
•A safe place to share feelings and receive support without judgement.
•A great place to swap ideas on things to try to feel better, including comparing notes on the failings of the system we had to experience (I’m talking about the NHS). MFT provides an essential service that the NHS simply did/could not provide.
•It got me out of the house for around 3 hours when I would have otherwise stayed at home feeling low.
•One particular event that I experienced was when I felt so awful that a number of people, both facilitators and other users of MFT service came to help me and made sure I was OK. That meant a lot.”
Client 3:
“This group is really good, run by Judith & Jack.
Has a thoughtful & kind energy. For me and others it is very beneficial to have a space where people can recount and air things that are going on in their lives.
I am pretty capable, but have depression periodically and the group somehow helps ease this, and is nice to hear about the life & challenges of others. The peer support group is a benefit to everyone there.”
Client 4:
“As we come toward the end of another year. And a new one approaches. I’d like to say how grateful I am of the Friday peer group in Hersham. I have found this group highly beneficial both for my mental health and general information to different agencies and support groups. Thank you, Mary Francis, for making this available to myself and others.”
Client 5:
“I have highly recommend these classes to some friends of mine who suffer with anxiety.Its was quite daunting at first,but Jack was so comforting and reassuring.To sit round a table with people listening to the journey their going on also makes you feel your not alone.My particular group seem to become my extended family as e felt we could talk,get up set with no judgmental comments,just reassuring each other.I gained strength and become more positive of the future. Thank you so much MFT for doing these classes because they truly are a lifeline.”
Without external funding, we would not be able to provide this vital weekly support. We extend our sincere thanks to our original funder, The Elmbridge Partnership Fund, and to our current funder, Walton Charity, for making this group possible.
If you would like to find out more about the groups we offer, please see our What’s On page.
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“It has literally been a life saver for me as i suffer from numerous mental health issues”