This guide and all of our courses were created by Dr Erin Hope Thompson MBE – Founder and Director of The Loss Foundation.
Support groups can provide powerful spaces where people connect with others who understand what they are going through. Whether focused on grief, health conditions, mental health, or life experiences, peer support groups allow people to share experiences, reduce isolation, and learn from one another.
At The Loss Foundation, we have delivered peer-led cancer bereavement support groups for over a decade, gaining deep insight into what helps groups feel safe, compassionate, and supportive.
This guide explains how to start a support group, how to facilitate conversations, and what to consider when organising a group that supports people effectively.
📢 Support Group Courses
Browse our courses and learn how to lead effective support groups, including specialised training in facilitating grief support groups.
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Free Support Group Resources
Before diving into the practical steps for how to start a support group, you may find it helpful to explore these free resources. They provide guidance on support group facilitation, peer support activities, and creating safe group guidelines, and can help you feel more confident organising and leading a group. Whether you are setting up a community support group, facilitating a bereavement group, or simply exploring how peer support works, these downloadable guides offer practical tools to get started.
Example support group curriculum PDF
Designed to help foster safe, supportive conversations where participants can reflect, share experiences and build connections.
Support Group Guidelines (PDF)
A simple guide outlining the key principles that help support groups run safely and respectfully.
Facilitator Self-Care Checklist PDF
This checklist includes simple prompts across physical, emotional, and professional self-care to help facilitators maintain prevent burnout and support others sustainably.
Peer Support Group Activities (PDF)
Simple activities designed to help support group facilitators encourage conversation, reflection, and connection.
What Is a Support Group?
^ Example pages from our free grief group curriculum pdf for therapists and mental health professionals.
A support group is a structured space where people with shared experiences meet to talk, listen, and support one another.
Support groups can focus on many different experiences, including grief, health conditions, caregiving, addiction recovery, or life transitions.
People sometimes ask what a support group actually looks like. In practice, most groups include:
- a facilitator who guides the conversation
- a group of people with similar experiences
- regular meetings (weekly or monthly)
- a safe, confidential environment
In a support group, participants often share their experiences, discuss challenges, listen to others, and learn coping strategies.
Support groups are sometimes also called:
- peer support groups
- mutual aid groups
- peer-led groups
- community support circles
The core principle is the same: people supporting one another through shared experience.
It can be difficult to demystify what a support group is really like when encouraging people to join, particularly for those who may feel uncertain, anxious, or unsure what to expect.
To help reduce these barriers, we’ve created a short video for The Loss Foundation’s grief support groups, offering a gentle insight into the environment, tone, and experience of attending. This helps people feel more prepared and reassured before joining. We have also explored this further in our blog, The Courage to Turn Up, which reflects on the emotional step of attending a group for the first time.
Do You Need Qualifications to Run a Support Group?
Many people wonder: do you need qualifications to run a support group?
In many cases, formal qualifications are not required, especially for peer-led community groups. Many support groups are created by people who have lived experience of the issue being discussed.
However, effective support group facilitators usually develop skills such as:
- active listening
- managing group discussions
- creating safe boundaries
- supporting respectful communication
Some organisations also offer facilitator training to help people feel more confident running groups.
A support group facilitator’s role is not to provide therapy or “fix” people’s problems. Instead, they help create a space where participants can share experiences and support each other.
How to Start a Support Group
If you are wondering how to start a support group, the process does not have to be complicated. Many successful groups begin with a small number of people and grow gradually over time.
Here is a simple step-by-step approach.
1. Identify the purpose of the group
Start by clarifying what your support group will focus on. A clear purpose helps shape how the group is run, who it is for, and what participants can expect.
Examples include:
- grief support groups (including pet bereavement)
- illness or condition-specific support groups
- carers support groups
- community wellbeing or peer support groups
You may also want to think about whether your group is aimed at a specific audience, such as a particular age group, type of experience, or stage of a journey. Being clear about this can help ensure the group feels relevant and supportive for those attending.
It can be helpful to describe your group in one or two simple sentences, outlining who it is for and what kind of support it offers. For example, is it a space for sharing experiences, mutual support, or guided discussion?
If we were to describe our own support groups in this way, we’d say:
“Our support groups are for people who have experienced bereavement, offering a safe, supportive space to share experiences and connect with others who understand.”
“We provide facilitated peer support groups where individuals can talk openly, feel heard, and explore their grief in a compassionate, non-judgemental environment.”
A clear focus not only helps you structure the group, but also makes it easier for people to understand whether it is the right fit for them — which can make the decision to join feel more comfortable and confident.
Managing Group Dynamics & Difficult Moments
Leading a support group can feel challenging, especially when navigating silence, strong emotions, or unexpected dynamics within the group. These moments are a natural part of peer support — and learning how to respond with confidence can make all the difference.
Quick tip: Don’t rush to fill silence. Pauses often give participants the space they need to process and share more meaningfully. What feels uncomfortable for a facilitator can be valuable for the group.
2. Decide on the format of your support group
Consider how your group will be delivered and what format will best meet the needs of your participants. This will influence accessibility, group dynamics, and how people engage with one another.
Your group may meet:
- in person
- online
- or as a hybrid of both
In-person groups can help create a strong sense of connection and shared presence, which some people find particularly supportive. They also allow for informal interactions before and after sessions, which can help build trust over time.
Online groups, on the other hand, can increase accessibility. They are often more suitable for people with mobility challenges, caring responsibilities, or those living in different locations. They can also feel less intimidating for some, especially when joining for the first time.
A hybrid approach may offer flexibility, but it can be more complex to manage and may require additional planning to ensure all participants feel equally included.
At The Loss Foundation, we use a combination of both online and in-person formats. Our online groups increase accessibility and allow people to join from different locations, while our in-person sessions include informal “walk and talk” groups, created in response to participant feedback requesting more relaxed, less structured ways to connect.
When deciding on your format, think about your audience, their preferences, and any potential barriers to access. Choosing the right format can make it easier for people to attend and feel comfortable taking part.
3. Establish basic guidelines
Support groups work best when there are clear expectations about behaviour and confidentiality.
Many groups establish simple guidelines such as:
- respecting each other’s experiences
- allowing everyone space to speak
- maintaining confidentiality
- avoiding judgement or advice-giving unless invited
Explore our support group guidelines template for a practical example of how to set clear, supportive boundaries from the outset.
4. Choose a suitable meeting space
For in-person support groups, choosing the right space is important for helping participants feel safe, comfortable, and able to share openly. The environment can have a significant impact on how relaxed and supported people feel when they attend.
Look for a space that is:
- private, so conversations cannot be overheard
- accessible, including step-free access where possible and good transport links
- comfortable and welcoming, with appropriate seating, lighting, and temperature
It can also help to choose a setting that feels neutral and non-clinical, particularly for grief or bereavement groups. Spaces that feel too formal or medical may make it harder for people to open up.
Community centres, libraries, faith spaces, or charity venues often work well, as they are familiar, affordable, and designed for group use. If possible, visit the space in advance to check noise levels, layout, and overall atmosphere.
Think about practical details too, such as group size, seating arrangement (e.g. a circle to encourage connection), and access to facilities like toilets and refreshments. Small touches can make a big difference in creating a space where people feel at ease.
If an in-person space is not suitable or accessible for your group, you may also want to consider running sessions online, which can offer greater flexibility and reach.
5. Promote the group
Once your support group is established, the next step is letting people know it exists and helping them feel confident enough to join. Promotion is not just about visibility — it’s about making the group feel accessible, safe, and relevant to those who may benefit from it.
Start by clearly communicating the purpose of your group, who it is for, and what participants can expect. This might include the type of support offered (e.g. grief support, pet bereavement, carers support), whether sessions are online or in person, and how often the group meets. Simple, reassuring language can help reduce uncertainty and encourage people to take that first step.
You may choose to share your group through community networks, social media, local organisations, or word of mouth. Partnering with relevant services — such as charities, healthcare providers, or community groups — can also help reach people who may be looking for support.
It can also be helpful to provide a small insight into what attending a group feels like.
This might include a short description of a typical session, participant feedback, or a simple visual or video that helps demystify the experience.
Reducing the “unknown” can make a significant difference in whether someone feels able to join.
How to Lead a Support Group
Our Support Group course builds confidence and equips you with practical tools to run safe, well-structured support groups.
✔️ Understand the purpose of grief support groups
✔️ Create inclusive, supportive spaces
✔️ Use key psychological frameworks
✔️ Facilitate sessions with confidence
✔️ Manage group dynamics and challenges
✔️ Adapt for online and in-person groups
✔️ Support your own wellbeing as a facilitator
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Product on saleHow to Lead a Support GroupOriginal price was: £79.99.£59.99Current price is: £59.99.
FAQs about starting a support group
People often have practical questions when thinking about how to start a support group or how to support others through peer connection. Common questions include what happens in a support group, how many people should attend, and whether you need qualifications to run one. Below we answer some of the most frequently asked questions, and you can follow the links to explore more detailed guides on each topic.
Many people ask how many participants are ideal for a support group. Most facilitators find that 6–10 participants works well. This size allows everyone time to speak while still creating a sense of shared community.
Smaller groups may feel more intimate, while larger groups may require more structured facilitation. If interest grows, some organisations create additional groups rather than expanding one group too large.
A support group meeting usually follows a simple structure. Sessions often begin with a welcome and brief introductions, followed by a check-in where participants can share how they are doing. The group may then move into open discussion about common topics such as coping with emotions, navigating life changes, relationships, or remembering loved ones. Some groups include guided reflections or discussion prompts, but many simply focus on listening, sharing experiences, and supporting one another.
Support group meetings are usually between 60 and 90 minutes long.
This length provides enough time for meaningful conversation while helping participants avoid emotional exhaustion.
Regular meetings may occur weekly, fortnightly or monthly.
Consistency helps participants build trust and familiarity with the group.
Support groups can be very helpful, but they may not be the right fit for everyone. Participants sometimes arrive with different expectations, and discussions can occasionally feel emotionally intense. Some people may benefit more from one-to-one counselling or professional therapy. Support groups also rely on mutual trust and confidentiality between participants. A well-facilitated group recognises these challenges and will signpost people to additional support if their needs would be better met elsewhere.
Common ways to advertise a support group include: community noticeboards, local charities and organisations, healthcare providers, social media, and community newsletters.
Partnerships with local organisations can be particularly helpful in reaching people who may benefit from peer support.
Growing a support group often takes time. Trust and word-of-mouth recommendations are often the most powerful ways groups expand.
Support groups can be helpful during certain stages of life, but people’s needs change over time. Some participants may feel ready to move on when: their circumstances have changed, they feel emotionally stronger or they want to focus on different types of support. Leaving a support group can be a healthy step in someone’s personal journey.
“She was so passionate about her work… which made learning from her interesting.” – Training Delegate
Dr. Erin Hope Thompson MBE, Founder and Director of The Loss Foundation, designed and presents our Support Group course.
As a Clinical Psychologist, she has extensive experience across the NHS, private, and third sectors. In 2022, Dr. Thompson was awarded an MBE for her services to bereaved families.
