Peer Support
Connecting with others who truly understand can make a world of difference. Our peer support services are designed by and for AuDHDers, creating safe and welcoming spaces for autistic and ADHD adults to share experiences, offer support, and build community.
What is Peer Support?
Peer support is about coming together with people who share similar experiences. Our groups are facilitated by trained Peer Support Workers, many of whom are neurodivergent themselves. Whilst it is not a clinical therapy, this means you’ll be supported by people who genuinely “get it” and can offer both emotional and practical support from a place of lived experience.
Our Approach
We believe that finding connection and understanding is key to feeling supported. Our aim is to help each other live authentically as neurodivergent people in a world often built for neurotypicals. Together, we celebrate neurodiversity, share practical strategies for everyday life, and create a true sense of belonging.
Please note: Our peer support services are only open to those aged 18 or over
“I have been looking for answers for myself for a very long time. I found AuDHD UK online and joined an hourly support group. This hour has given me more information than anything on the Internet. A group session with "like-minded" people who have first-hand daily experience with the same issues you have is invaluable. It's become part of my support system, and I can't thank everyone at AuDHD UK enough.”
— Raphael
Our Peer Support Options
Online Peer Support Services
Connect from anywhere in the UK through our online peer support groups. We offer weekly text-based groups, providing a flexible and low-pressure way to share experiences, ask questions, and support each other in real time. These groups are a great option if you prefer joining from home or want to meet other AuDHDers around the UK.
We also have our Peer Support Community page. This is a protected text-based community, open 24/7 and moderated by our Peer Support Workers daily. This allows AuDHDers to connect with other people across the UK with similar life experiences, to discuss specific topics related to AuDHD, or just to chat and build connections.
In-Person Groups
We believe support is important for everyone, not just those who are late diagnosed. We are currently running in-person Peer Support Groups for friends and families of AuDHDers. This group offers a welcoming, relaxed environment where you can build connections, share stories, and find practical support. We also have plans for more in-person groups for those with AuDHD. Group locations and times vary - see our dedicated page for details.
Group Rules
What is shared in the group stays in the group: This group is a safe space where you can talk about personal things without the fear of anyone outside the group finding out. For this reason, you must not discuss anything shared here with anyone else or outside of the group sessions.
No talking about potentially triggering content: Our priority is the safety of everyone in the group. We understand that some of you may have had traumatic experiences in the past that you would like to work through, however this is something that should be discussed in one-to-one therapy.
No judging others: We are here to listen, and to help when asked, but not to judge. We all struggle with some things, and it is not our place to make others feel ashamed about the things they find difficult.
No hate speech or bullying: Make sure that everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn't allowed, and degrading comments about things such as race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender, neurotype, or identity will not be tolerated. Breaking of this rule may result in you being removed from the group.
Be kind and understanding: Although we share some similar experiences, we are all individuals and should be treated with respect and understanding. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
Stay safe: We are not qualified professionals and cannot give medical advice. All opinions are based on our own personal experience. Please do not attempt to diagnose others or offer unsolicited advice or solutions.
FAQs
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The session is opened by the Peer Support Worker who will welcome everyone and state the conversation topic. The session topics are pre-determined by the charity, so that you know what to expect, and will cover common challenges related to AuDHD
There is no expectation for you to respond to every message, but we hope that it becomes a space you feel safe enough to share and contribute to discussions.
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Peer Support Workers (PSWs) are trained volunteers who facilitate our sessions. Our PSWs undergo background checks and in-house training before facilitating sessions.
Their responsibilities include:
Starting the session by welcoming everyone and opening up the conversation.
Making sure everyone follows the group rules.
Contacting the appropriate authorities when they have safeguarding concerns.
Making sure the group remains a safe space.
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If accepted onto our Peer Support Groups, you will be enrolled onto a 14 week course. Each session will have the same participants every week, so you don’t have to worry about meeting new people every time.
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Yes, you do. This is because we have to collect UK-specific data such as GP details in order to keep you and everyone else in the group safe. If you are not UK-based, check out Dueling Minds’ peer support group and online community.
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Thank you very much for your interest in volunteering with us. We rely on people like you to run these much-needed sessions, and we’re very grateful for those who can support us in this way.
Please head over to our Reach Volunteering page to apply and a member of our team will get back to you shortly.
Safeguarding notice
Our Peer Support Workers are trained to escalate any safeguarding concerns they identift whilst facilitating our Peer support groups. Possible safeguarding concerns include but are not limited to:
Risk of harm to self or others, including anyone under the age of 18
Evidence of illegal activities
For more details on when and why we may contact others, and other information on how we use your data, please see our Safeguarding Policies.