Support Services
Support & Self Care Groups
Our Support & Self Care Groups offer a supportive, confidential and proactive environment where you can talk openly about depression, bipolar disorder, other related mood conditions and their impact.  Peers share their experiences, understanding and thoughts and techniques around self-care and resilience.
We offer groups every day with in-person (location dependent) and virtual options (via Zoom or phone in) available. Any adult who is experiencing depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety or a mood related condition is welcome. No referral is needed although if attending a doctor or therapist, we recommend that you keep them informed.Â
We also offer dedicated groups for people with bipolar disorder and relatives and friends supporting a loved one. If you have bipolar disorder you can also attend a general group.
Please note this service is only available to people who reside in Ireland.
If you are under 18 years of age, please contact Childline for support on 1800 66 66 66.
Choose a Group
General Groups
In Person Support
& Self Care Groups
Our Face-to-Face Support & Self Care Group is an in-person peer support group for people experiencing anxiety, mild to moderate depression, bipolar disorder and mood related conditions, and offers the opportunity to give and receive support.
- The group is facilitated by Aware trained Volunteers
- Groups have up to 10 participants with 2 Volunteers
- The meeting will run for 90 minutes
Please book your place by clicking your desired location below.
- Please note this is no longer a walk-in service, places must be booked each week and spaces are made available for the following week on the day after each group takes place
We currently have face-to-face groups in a number of locations in Ireland. Please click the county name below to get full details about the groups available.
Location:22 Sullivans Quay, Cork City. T12 PH6N
Times: Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Choice of two days in Cork: Tuesday or Wednesday
Choice of five times in Dublin:
– Tuesday in Aungier Street and Ballymun
– Wednesday in Aungier Street and Cabinteely
– Saturday in Leeson Street
Please note groups do not take place on public holidays.
AUNGIER STREET
Location: Carmelite Community Centre, 56 Aungier St, Dublin 2, D02 T258.
Times: Every Tuesday in Anne Gill Room or Wednesday in St Therese Room, (lift access) at 7pm.
Book your space below weekly.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Choice of two days in Aungier Street: Tuesday or Wednesday
CABINTEELY
Location: The Ash Room, St Brigids Pastoral Centre, Johnstown Road, Cabinteely D18 YP96.
Times: Every Wednesday at 7pm .
Book your space below weekly.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
BALLYMUNÂ
Location: Room 3, Axis Theatre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin D09 Y9W0.
Times: Every Tuesday at 7pm.
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
LEESON STREET
Location: Aware, 9 Leeson Street Upper, Ranelagh, Dublin 4, D04 KD80.
Times: Every Thursday (bipolar disorder specific) at 7pm & Saturday at 11.30am.
Book your space below weekly.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Location: Croi na Gaillimhe, 1 Mill St, Galway H91 X37V (SVP Center)
Times: Every Wednesday at 7pm
Please note there will be no group on Wednesday April 23rd
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Please note groups do not take place on public holidays.
Location: CDP Centre, Rock Business Centre, Upper Rock Street, Tralee, Co Kerry, V92 WR9P
Times: Every Tuesday at 7pm
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Please note groups do not take place on public holidays.
Location: Ground Floor, Room G 10, Foundation Building, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Rd. Limerick, V94 VN26
Times: Every Tuesday at 7pm
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Please note groups do not take place on public holidays.
Location: St Patricks Gateway Centre, Patrick Street, Waterford X91 YX61
Times: Every Tuesday at 7pm
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Please note groups do not take place on public holidays.
In Person Support
& Self Care Groups
Our Face-to-Face Support & Self Care Group is an in-person peer support group for people experiencing anxiety, mild to moderate depression, bipolar disorder and mood related conditions, and offers the opportunity to give and receive support.
- The group is facilitated by Aware trained Volunteers
- Groups have up to 10 participants with 2 Volunteers
- The meeting will run for 90 minutes
Please book your place by clicking your desired location below.
- Please note this is no longer a walk-in service, places must be booked each week and spaces are made available for the following week on the day after each group takes place
We currently have face-to-face groups in a number of locations in Ireland. Please click the county name below to get full details about the groups available.
Location:22 Sullivans Quay, Cork City. T12 PH6N
Times: Every Tuesday and Wednesday at 7pm
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Choice of two days in Cork: Tuesday or Wednesday
Choice of five times in Dublin:
– Tuesday in Aungier Street and Ballymun
– Wednesday in Aungier Street and Cabinteely
– Saturday in Leeson Street
Please note groups do not take place on public holidays.
AUNGIER STREET
Location: Carmelite Community Centre, 56 Aungier St, Dublin 2, D02 T258.
Times: Every Tuesday in Anne Gill Room or Wednesday in St Therese Room, (lift access) at 7pm.
Book your space below weekly.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Choice of two days in Aungier Street: Tuesday or Wednesday
CABINTEELY
Location: The Ash Room, St Brigids Pastoral Centre, Johnstown Road, Cabinteely D18 YP96.
Times: Every Wednesday at 7pm .
Book your space below weekly.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
BALLYMUNÂ
Location: Room 3, Axis Theatre, Main Street, Ballymun, Dublin D09 Y9W0.
Times: Every Tuesday at 7pm.
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
LEESON STREET
Location: Aware, 9 Leeson Street Upper, Ranelagh, Dublin 4, D04 KD80.
Times: Every Thursday (bipolar disorder specific) at 7pm & Saturday at 11.30am.
Book your space below weekly.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Location: Croi na Gaillimhe, 1 Mill St, Galway H91 X37V (SVP Center)
Times: Every Wednesday at 7pm
Please note there will be no group on Wednesday April 23rd
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Please note groups do not take place on public holidays.
Location: CDP Centre, Rock Business Centre, Upper Rock Street, Tralee, Co Kerry, V92 WR9P
Times: Every Tuesday at 7pm
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Please note groups do not take place on public holidays.
Location: Ground Floor, Room G 10, Foundation Building, Mary Immaculate College, South Circular Rd. Limerick, V94 VN26
Times: Every Tuesday at 7pm
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Please note groups do not take place on public holidays.
Location: St Patricks Gateway Centre, Patrick Street, Waterford X91 YX61
Times: Every Tuesday at 7pm
Book your space below weekly, and you are welcome without booking.
The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Please note groups do not take place on public holidays.
Phone-In Support
& Self Care Groups
Our Phone-In Support & Self Care Group is a peer support group for people experiencing anxiety, mild to moderate depression, bipolar disorder and mood related conditions, and offers the opportinuty to give and receive support.
- The group is facilitated by Aware trained Volunteers
- Groups have up to 10 participants with 2 Volunteers
- The meeting will run for 75 minutes
- Please book your place by clicking your desired day below.
To meet the demand for our groups, please only book a place if you are committed to attending.Â
If you cannot attend please contact info@aware.ie or 01 661 7211 without delay to cancel your booking. This allows another person to take up this valuable place.
If a particular group is full, please try another day. The morning after each group takes place, the booking process opens for the next week. For weekend groups, the booking process opens on the following Monday morning.
Zoom Support
& Self Care Groups
Our Zoom Support & Self Care Groups are peer support groups for people experiencing anxiety, mild to moderate depression, bipolar disorder and mood related conditions, and offers the opportunity to give and receive support.Â
- The group is facilitated by Aware trained Volunteers
- Groups have up to 10 participants with 2 Volunteers
- The meeting will run for 75 minutes
- Groups take place via Zoom
If you do not have a zoom account, you will need to follow these two steps to take part in the programme:
- Create an account with Zoom (click here to sign up for an account)
- Download the Zoom Desktop Client to your PC (click here to download)
Please note, Aware is unable to offer technical support when it comes to setting up your account and PC. However, Zoom have an online help centre for additional information and technical support, which you can access here.
- Please book your place by clicking your desired day below.
To meet the demand for our groups, please only book a place if you are committed to taking the place up. We thank you for participating and for the support you give and receive in our Support and Self Care Groups.
If you cannot attend please contact info@aware.ie or 01 661 7211 without delay to cancel your booking. This allows another person to take up this valuable place.
If a particular group is full, please try another day. The morning after each group takes place, the booking process opens for the next week.
Please note you will receive Zoom details for each group in advance. If you do not receive an email from Aware, please check your spam/junk folder. If it is not to be found, please contact info@aware.ie to let us know.
Bipolar Disorder Specific Groups
We offer both in-person and virtual dedicated groups for people with bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder you can also attend a general group.
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LEESON STREET
Location:Â Aware, 9 Leeson Street Upper, Ranelagh, Dublin 4, D04 KD80.
Times: Every Thursday at 7pm. Book your space below weekly. The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
ONLINEÂ
Times: Every Monday and Wednesday at 7pm. Book your space below weekly. The booking system resets on the morning following each group.
Relatives & Friends Specific Group
We offer a dedicated weekly online Relatives & Friends Support & Self Care Group on Wednesday’s at 7pm on Zoom. Peers share their experiences, understanding, and thoughts and techniques around self-care and resilience. You can attend regularly or periodically.
ONLINEÂ
Times: Every Wednesday at 7pm. Book your space below weekly. The booking system resets on the morning following each group.You can find our more about our Support & Self Care Groups by watching our webinar above.
Coming to the group for the first time:
Firstly, you are very welcome. We know it can feel daunting to join a new group, especially if you are feeling low or anxious in yourself. Other people in the group have had that experience and can understand. The facilitators will be there before the group begins, and can welcome you before the group officially starts. If you are new and would like to come along 5 minutes before to meet the facilitators and settle in first before the group starts, please know this is an option for all groups.
How it works:
When you join a Support & Self Care Group, you are greeted by two Aware Volunteer facilitators. Facilitators introduce themselves and explain the purpose of the group, talk through the guidelines, reminding you of the Confidentiality Policy.
The facilitators then invite everyone to introduce themselves and briefly say what brought them to the group e.g., I’m Tom/Mary and I’m experiencing anxiety. After introductions, the group will open for sharing. There is no pressure to speak.
After someone in the group shares their thoughts and feelings a facilitator may ask some questions to clarify what has been shared or reflect back what has been heard. The facilitator asks the person sharing if they wish to hear reflections from the group and if so, asks the group for their thoughts and support. They briefly summarise support offered by the group before inviting others to share. A proactive approach is used throughout the group in which participants can express emotion, acknowledge feelings, question thoughts and beliefs and focus on helpful actions they can take.
Facilitators will manage the timing of the group, so that everyone who wishes to share and hear from the group can do so within the time. Silences are common in groups while people gather their thoughts and if you find these difficult, please try taking a few slow breaths.
Coming to the group for the first time:
Firstly, you are very welcome. We know it can feel daunting to join a new group, especially if you are feeling low or anxious in yourself. Other people in the group have had that experience and can understand. The facilitators will be there before the group begins, and can welcome you before the group officially starts. If you are new and would like to come along 5 minutes before to meet the facilitators and settle in first before the group starts, please know this is an option for all groups.
How it works:
When you join a Support & Self Care Group, you are greeted by two Aware Volunteer facilitators. Facilitators introduce themselves and explain the purpose of the group, talk through the guidelines, reminding you of the Confidentiality Policy.
The facilitators then invite everyone to introduce themselves and briefly say what brought them to the group e.g., I’m Tom/Mary and I’m experiencing anxiety. After introductions, the group will open for sharing. There is no pressure to speak.
After someone in the group shares their thoughts and feelings a facilitator may ask some questions to clarify what has been shared or reflect back what has been heard. The facilitator asks the person sharing if they wish to hear reflections from the group and if so, asks the group for their thoughts and support. They briefly summarise support offered by the group before inviting others to share. A proactive approach is used throughout the group in which participants can express emotion, acknowledge feelings, question thoughts and beliefs and focus on helpful actions they can take.
Facilitators will manage the timing of the group, so that everyone who wishes to share and hear from the group can do so within the time. Silences are common in groups while people gather their thoughts and if you find these difficult, please try taking a few slow breaths.
Group facilitators will explain confidentiality within the group setting. All attendees agree to keep everything that is said and takes place at the group completely confidential. This is essential in allowing each person the safety to express whatever they would like to say.
If the facilitators are concerned about harm coming to you or another person, they will ask to speak with you privately after the group, in line with the confidentiality policy and may involve emergency or crisis services as a support if needed. For more information on our Confidentiality Policy please see here.
Group facilitators will explain confidentiality within the group setting. All attendees agree to keep everything that is said and takes place at the group completely confidential. This is essential in allowing each person the safety to express whatever they would like to say.
If the facilitators are concerned about harm coming to you or another person, they will ask to speak with you privately after the group, in line with the confidentiality policy and may involve emergency or crisis services as a support if needed. For more information on our Confidentiality Policy please see here.
To ensure a supportive group experience for all, we ask all group members and facilitators:
- To have respect for each other’s time by being punctual, arriving and finishing the group on time, as well as allowing all group members time to share, if they wish
- To be tolerant and respectful of one another and acknowledge differing opinions
- To avoid mentioning doctors, hospitals and medications by name, as what suits one person may not suit another
- To be mindful that everyone attending has the opportunity to contribute but no-one will ever be forced to do so
To ensure a supportive group experience for all, we ask all group members and facilitators:
- To have respect for each other’s time by being punctual, arriving and finishing the group on time, as well as allowing all group members time to share, if they wish
- To be tolerant and respectful of one another and acknowledge differing opinions
- To avoid mentioning doctors, hospitals and medications by name, as what suits one person may not suit another
- To be mindful that everyone attending has the opportunity to contribute but no-one will ever be forced to do so
Experience with Aware
If you have used Aware’s services and would like to give some feedback on your experience, we would be grateful if you could take the time to complete the form below.
