Pete’s Dragons are delighted to have been commissioned by North Somerset Council to provide monthly suicide bereavement Peer Support Groups over the next three years.
Welcome to Pete's Dragons Peer Support Group. We love this aspect of our service and know from experience that people who join our Peer Support Groups love it too. Pete's Dragons has been providing support to people who have experienced the devastating impact of suicide for eight years across the County of Devon and more recently, here in North Somerset. We know that meeting people who have experienced similar things is comforting and powerful in adjusting to life after this type of loss. Our groups are all very friendly, relaxed and welcoming; a place where you can be yourself and be accepted for who you are.
Our groups are very informal, often involve (weather permitting!) a short walk and talk or a grief related activity followed by the all-important coffee/tea and cake. We are so fortunate to be located in the South West where there is always something gorgeous to look at whatever the weather. There is no expectation for you to talk about your grief or circumstances (of course you can if you wish) as you will quickly discover that everyone attending just "gets it". Our groups are very much shaped by the people that attend and we are very happy to adapt and change according to the groups wishes.
Our walking groups are very inclusive and walks are chosen based on the collective wishes and abilities of the group. Walking could mean finding a local beauty spot and sitting and taking in the view or it could mean a stomp across a local moor. Again, the groups and activities are shaped by what the members want to do, so please do not think that you need to be a regular rambler to join.
In order to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing, we request that everyone follow these simple rules which we have found to make the groups easier to access and more enjoyable and beneficial:
- Accept and support that everyone is different, some people are comfortable with sharing, some people are not and simply want to be in the company of people who understand.
- Avoid questions or discussions that could be traumatic to others. Should you feel the need to discuss such details it may be an indication that you would benefit from one-to-one support from a Suicide Bereavement Specialist. You can talk to your peer support group lead about this at any time and they can arrange this for you.
- Listen as much as you share. Listening is the biggest gift we can give to each other, please share your gifts around.
- Please do not attend if you are feeling poorly.
Our Peer Support Group runs every 2nd Thursday of each month in Weston-Super-Mare - for more information or if you would like to attend, please contact us on 01395 277780 or at support@petesdragons.org.uk.
Alternatively, you can complete our North Somerset Support form and a member of our team will get back to you.
There is no charge for any of the services we offer, everything is completely free (yes, even the all-important biscuits!)