Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who facilitates the meetings?
    Every meeting is facilitated by 2 people, who themselves experience or have experienced social anxiety.
  • How many people attend the group?
    Presently, an average of 12 people attend each session.
  • How often do the meetings take place and long does each session last?
    Group meetings take place on the first and third Thursday of every month from 7:30-9:30pm, (check calendar to confirm details).
    You are welcome to attend as many of these meetings as you wish as they are all drop-in sessions.
  • How do I attend a session?
    You can just turn up to the session you wish to attend.
    If possible, please try to arrive before 7:30pm, but if you are unavoidably delayed (e.g. due to traffic) then you will still be welcome to join us after the starting time.
    If you would like to let us know that you are coming you can contact us on our email located on the contacts page
  • How much do I need to participate during the group sessions?
    You do not have to say anything you do not wish to, you are welcome to pass on any part of the session you want to.
  • How much does it cost to attend?
    There is no attendance fee to come to a session.  However, to help cover the running costs and room hire, at the end of each session, we ask for a voluntary donation of £3 for anyone wishes to do so.
  • Do I need to need be referred by anyone to attend the group?
    No, anyone who feels they have or have had difficulties with social anxiety is welcome to attend.
  • What else do we do?
    Social events are arranged on a regular basis, members will be notified of the details in each session and via an online email group.
    The online email group is available for members to arrange their own social events, as well as posting information relating to social anxiety which others may find useful.  Information on how to join this email group will be available once you have attended a session.
  • Physical Disability?
    The room we use is on the first floor so may not be suitable for those who have difficulty in climbing stairs. If you require any assistance, please contact us and we will do our best to accommodate you where possible.
  • What is the history of the group?
    Social Anxiety Bristol was started by a committee of people who were service users of a social anxiety support group called SA West.  SA West ran group sessions for over 10 years and closed in December 2014.
    SA Bristol was set up as a replacement and ran its first facilitated session in November 2015.