Peer Support Groups:

Ceartas facilitates a number of Peer Support Groups for people in our service user categories.

The Peer Support model fits in well with the philosophy of Independent Advocacy, because they are about empowering people to create their own support network, to identify what their own issues are, to seek information about their options from people in a similar position, and to engage in Collective Advocacy.

These Peer Support Groups offer an opportunity for people who have issues that are maybe more complex or require specialist knowledge for them to deal with on their own, to get access to Independent Advocacy at an early opportunity. We call these ‘Routes Into Advocacy’.

The Peer Support Groups we facilitate are:

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The Peer Support Groups are an informal type of support were we also welcome partners, spouses, carers and family members. As well as food and refreshments, we will often have invited speakers at the peer support groups – please see the What’s On page for details.

The Peer Support Groups are generously supported by a team of volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved, please have a look at our Volunteering page, or contact Ceartas here.

  • David
    It's really nice to know that someone is listening to me and taking me seriously. Other people seem to think that my problems are trivial and aren't worth bothering about, but that is not true. My Advocacy Worker helped me to make my point in such a way that I couldn't be ignored, and now things are starting to improve as a result.
    David
    Service User
  • De Café
    Very understanding of my memory issues and love the related activities
    De Café
    Group Member
  • Alex
    When I call Ceartas everyone is always so kind and helpful. They are all a really good group of people.
    Alex
    Service User
  • Joanne
    I didn't know that there was anything I could do about my situation, let alone that I had options. I feel so much better knowing that I can turn to Ceartas for information when I need it.
    Joanne
    Service User
  • Elizabeth
    I live quite a long distance away from my sister. When she needed to get some more support in place for her dementia, the information about local services and support that you were able to give me was invaluable. I can't thank you enough.
    Elizabeth
    Long-distance carer
  • Sandra & John
    Thanks for discussing things and then sending us some information in the post: we have now started the Power of Attorney process.
    Sandra & John
    Service User
  • Thomas
    Thanks so much, this is almost a miracle! Can you do anything for Partick Thistle while you’re at it?
    Thomas
    Carer
  • De Café
    Enjoy time with friends
    De Café
    Group Member
  • Marie
    Thank you for your support at the last meeting. It’s great having somebody independent in my corner: not sure what I would have done or where I would be otherwise.
    Marie
    Service User
  • Agnes
    I can pick up the phone and advocacy support is always there, ready to listen and help me understand things better.
    Agnes
    Service User
  • Sarah
    Even a ten minute chat on the phone made me feel so much better. I was becoming frustrated and annoyed at not getting what I needed from services, but talking to my Advocacy Worker kept me grounded and stopped me from losing the rag with anyone.
    Sarah
    Service User
  • Walking Group Member
    For me, it was meeting other, new people that benefited me most.
    Walking Group Member
  • Olivia
    Absolutely thrilled with the service. I wish my family all stayed in East Dunbartonshire and could access it!
    Olivia
    Carer
  • Mark
    I am usually apprehensive about contacting organisations in fear of being passed pillar to post. I was delighted when I contacted Ceartas: although I didn’t need advocacy, you talked me through local services that I needed.
    Mark
    Information enquiry
  • Walking Group Member
    Just a quick message of thanks to you guys.  You’ve made me feel welcome at a low time in my life.  The lowest I’ve ever faced.  I really appreciate it.
    Walking Group Member
  • George
    There is always someone there at Ceartas for me, no matter who takes the call.
    George
    Service User
  • Richard
    I felt like I was facing a brick wall until I started receiving support and information from Ceartas. The outcome of that has led to a much better relationship with the rest of the family, and now we are all pulling in the same direction.
    Richard
    Carer
  • Ashleigh
    Thank you for your prompt and informative reply. It’s appreciated more than you will know.
    Ashleigh
    Carer
  • Group Member
    It was wonderful to you see again and be with friends and joining in at B&B. The loneliness was certainly put aside and replaced with love and laughter being amongst everyone.
    Group Member
    A Bite & A Blether
  • Derek
    After waiting months, you got the ball rolling with a number of things and for that I thank you.
    Derek
    Service User
  • Alecia
    It’s a really tricky role you’ve had in this case but you’ve done so effectively.
    Alecia
    Social Work
  • De Café
    Very Interesting and good source of Information and good company
    De Café
    Group Member
  • Group Member
    “I was glad it was Monday this morning as I’ve got this group on Mondays. I like this wee group.”
    Group Member
    A Bite & A Blether