Service User Network (SUN) service
We can help if you’re having difficulties with emotions and personality disorders.
We offer open peer support groups, where you can share your experiences and support each other with advice.
You don't need a diagnosis to attend and can sign yourself up. Our groups are delivered both face to face in the community and online.
It may be that you’re having difficulties with managing your emotions, relationships, being impulsive or your own identity
You may identify with or have a diagnosis of personality disorder.
Our aim is to support you in the community, improve your quality of life and reduce the need for further intervention from other services.
Peer support groups
Our support groups allow people to help others by sharing their own experiences. The sessions are facilitated by both clinical and lived experience facilitators.
All our group members are valued as experts because of their experiences. Becoming part of our groups means you can get the support you need and help others by sharing your own experiences.
Our service is suitable if you’re comfortable talking with others in group settings.
The sessions can help in different ways, such as:
- Supporting you to learn the different coping skills that can help you through difficult times
- Connecting and learning from people who have similar experiences or who are in similar situations
- Providing a safe space to be heard and understood
- Encouraging problem solving skills
- Guiding you to other services and sources of support that might be beneficial
This is the structure of a typical peer support group session.
Check in (45 mins)
Every member must check in with how they are doing and what they are looking to get out of the group.
New members are welcomed and the group assist them in completing their crisis and support plan (CASP).
This document is kept up to date and used to support members in times of struggle.
Break 15 mins.
Open Forum (50 mins)
This is the main section where members discuss topics brought up in check in and offer support and advice to one another.
Break 10 mins
Check out (30 mins)
Every member must check out with how they are feeling after the group.
Group minutes are taken, covering a summary of discussions and any actions that need to be taken.
This is how both online and face to face groups run.
You can register by using our online form, or by contacting our team. You can also talk to us if you want to know more about SUN, or you need help using our online form.
We’re available for contact 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Use our online registration form to register your place (opens new tab)
Email SUNTeam@berkshire.nhs.uk
Call 0300 365 8000
Here are the timetables for our group sessions. The locations and times could change, so please contact us to confirm before you attend.
We’ll confirm the address of the session with you when you register.
Online
| Day of the week | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 1.30pm to 4pm |
| Thursday | 9.30am to 12pm |
| Friday (From 21 June 2024) | 9.30am to 12pm |
Bracknell (face-to-face)
| Day of the week | Time |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 10am to 12.30pm |
Newbury (face-to-face)
| Day of the week | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 10am to 12.30pm |
Reading (face-to-face)
| Day of the week | Time |
|---|---|
| Wednesday | 1.30pm to 4pm |
You can contact us by calling or emailing.
Call 0300 365 8000
Email SUNTeam@berkshire.nhs.uk
Our team is available for contact at the following opening times.
| Day of the week | Opening times |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9am to 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am to 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am to 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am to 5pm |
| Friday | 9am to 5pm |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Local support
Breathing Space (Berkshire West)
A safe, welcoming and supportive space for anybody aged over 18 experiencing emotional distress and struggling to cope.
Visit the Breathing Space website
Compass Recovery College (Reading)
A mental health and wellbeing organisation based in Reading, Berkshire, UK, commissioned by Reading Borough Council.
Visit Compass Recovery College website
Recovery in Mind (Newbury)
They support adults living in West Berkshire with mental health challenges by delivering free of charge, inspiring and empowering courses.
Visit Recovery in Mind website
Safe Haven (East Berkshire)
The Safe Haven offers a welcoming, comfortable, non-judgmental, and non-clinical environment. They provide emotional support and information if you are in crisis or feel you are heading toward a crisis situation.
Stepping Stones Bracknell Recovery College (Bracknell)
They offer a range of free courses and workshops for anyone experiencing challenges to their mental health, physical and emotional wellbeing. This might be due to a diagnosed or long-term condition, recovery from addiction, homelessness, trauma or abuse
Visit the Stepping Stones Recovery College website
Sport in Mind
Mental health sports charity that provides physical activity (sport, walking, dance and movement, gardening and exercise sessions) projects in partnership with the NHS in order to aid recovery, promote mental wellbeing, improve physical health, combat social isolation and empower people to move their lives forward in a positive direction.
Wokingham Recovery Collage
They offer free mental health and wellbeing courses, workshops, and support groups.
Visit Wokingham Recovery College website
Our mental health services
Our mental health teams and services, including Talking Therapies, are available if you need support.
You can find resources and guides on our website to help you if you need more advice.
Resources to help with your mental health wellbeing (opens new browser tab)
Our Neurodiversity Passport can help you communicate your needs to our staff. It covers sensory processing, your communication preferences, and topics that might make you feel anxious and overwhelmed, so that we can support you.
Support across the UK
Mind
Rethink
SHOUT
LifeSIGNS
