Peer Support Groups

No one understands what it’s like to live with a musculoskeletal condition (e.g. arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia) quite like someone in the same boat.

Do you ever feel isolated? Or get the impression that friends and family don’t really understand what you’re going through? It might be time to join a peer support group! Check out this video from Wayne, who belongs to our Horsham Peer Support Group and find out what it’s like to be amongst friends who ‘get it’.

This video was made with the support of Smartphone Stories.

Find a group today!

Support groups are often started in the community by people living with a musculoskeletal condition. Each group develops their own structure, purpose and activities based on the needs and interests of the group members.

Some groups are very informal and have small meetings and relaxed conversations, while other groups have a more formal structure with office bearers performing specific tasks. Groups may have guest speakers, regular exercise classes, their own websites, blogs, and social media.

There’s a wide range of groups, with something to suit most people.

Our network of groups

Most of our groups are geographically based and may include members with a mix of different conditions. There are also a number of groups that relate to specific conditions and age groups, and include:

Ankylosing spondylitis
Fibromyalgia
Lupus
Osteoporosis
Young adults (for people of working age)
Teen Talk.

Joining a Peer Support Group

Everyone’s welcome at a support group meeting. You can attend a meeting to get the feel for the group and to see if it’s the right fit for you. Take the opportunity to talk with others at the group meetings and find out about the types of activities the group runs. Family members and friends are also welcome.