Support Groups

Support groups can play an important role during and after treatment in helping you recover from and manage your BDD and often they also include family members too. They provide a safe environment where you can talk openly about your BDD, as well as giving support and encouragement to others.In addition to local support groups there are also online groups. The online groups run over Skype (camera optional) or you can choose to be added in with your phone. You can find a full list of the online groups here. All the support groups the BDD Foundation advertise are independent of the Charity.There are very few specific BDD Support Groups. We want to enable more to be set up. Please let us know if you are thinking of starting a group by emailing us at info@bddfoundation.org with the heading ‘starting a support group’ and we will try to support you.We are stronger together!

LOCAL GROUPS

1. Marylebone, Central London (BDD)
2. Southgate, North London (BDD)
3. Reading (BDD)
4. Plymouth (BDD/OCD)
5. City of London (BFRB)
6. Inverness, Scotland (BDD)
7. Stockton, California, USA (BDD/Body Image)
8. Glasgow, Scotland (BDD)
9. Oldham (BDD and Social Anxiety)

ONLINE GROUPS

1. OCD Action Online Daytime BDD Support Group (2pm, Third Wednesday of each month)
2. OCD Action Online Evening BDD Support Group (7pm, Wednesdays)
3. OCD Action Online Evening BDD Parents Support Group (7pm, Second Monday)
4. OCD Action Online Evening OCD, BDD & Hoarding Family Members Support Group (7pm, First Monday)
5. OCD Action Online Trichotillomania & Dermatillomania Support Group (7pm, First & Third Tuesdays)
6. Online Mindfulness Group for BDD (Various)
7. Online Skype BDD Support Group (9pm (EST) USA, Fridays)

LOCAL GROUPS

1. Central London (Marylebone) (BDD)

Where: Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic this support group will now be held online via zoom. Please email if you would like to join.

Dates for 2020: Apr 6th, May 4th, Jun 1st, Jul 6th, Aug 3rd, Sep 7th, Oct 5th, Nov 2nd, Dec 7th

Meeting Time: 6.30pm – 8pm

Contact: Kitty (Kitty@bddfoundation.org)

Type: User led. The group will provide an opportunity to meet other people with BDD, share experiences and concerns about the illness and provide mutual support. The group also welcomes carers, family and friends.

2. Southgate – BDD

Where: Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic this support group will now be held online via zoom. Please email if you would like to join.

Contact: Kitty (Kitty@bddfoundation.org)

Time: 4pm – 6pm

Dates: Apr 19th, May 17th, Jun 21st, Jul 19th, Aug 16th, Sep 20th, Oct 18th, Nov 15th, Dec 20th.

This group is for people with BDD and their carers, families and friends. The group is user led and does not offer therapy or professional guidance but is an opportunity to share ideas and provide mutual support.

3. Reading in Conjunction with Still the Hunger (BDD)

Still the Hunger runs a support group for people with BDD.

Time: Apr 11, 2020 03:30 PM Greenwich Mean Time

Every month on the Second Sat, until Sep 12, 2020, 6 occurrence(s)

Apr 11, 2020 03:30 PM

May 9, 2020 03:30 PM

Jun 13, 2020 03:30 PM

Jul 11, 2020 03:30 PM

Aug 8, 2020 03:30 PM

Sep 12, 2020 03:30 PM

Join Zoom Meeting:

https://zoom.us/j/290757321?pwd=by9lRndBQ3BQVUt0eTlaQmZpU0VHZz09

Meeting ID: 290 757 321

Password: 094610

Phone: 07733 300 705

Contact: Beverley Hutton

Website: http://stillthehunger.co.uk/

Type: Professionally led.

The group will provide an opportunity to meet other people with BDD, share experiences and concerns about the illness and provide mutual support. The group also welcomes carers, family and friends.There is no fee to attend this group and no need to book. Free Parking

4. Plymouth – OCD & BDD Support group

Where: Mind Oasis, 8 Woodside, Greenbank, Plymouth, PL4 8QE

Dates: Every other Wednesday.

Please phone to check times

Meeting Time: 7pm-9pm

Contact: Joe Higman (01752 254 004)

Type: This group welcomes people with OCD, BDD and related disorders. The group is professionally led. We are a friendly support group for anyone with BDD, OCD or related disorders. Ten-twelve people attend regularly.

5. City of London – Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRB) Support Group

Peer-led support group for sufferers of Trichotillomania, Dermatillomania and related disorders. Our group is open to sufferers as well as family members, carers, and friends.

Monthly Meetings: please contact for up-to-date meeting information.

Come along for friendly, informed and confidential support.

Email for more details and venue information.

Facilitators: Pavitt & Bridget (bfrbgrouplondon@gmail.com)

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/TLCinUK/

There is no fee to attend this group but an email to facilitators prior to attending is required to confirm location, time and dates.

6. Inverness, Scotland (BDD)

Where: The Hive Project, 19 Academy Street, Inverness, Scotland

Dates: First Saturday of each month. Beginning Saturday April 7^th 2018Time: Pop in anytime between 6 pm and 9 pm.

Contact: Carole MacLeay

Email: gacmacleay@btinternet.com

Type: User led.

The group will provide an opportunity to meet other people with BDD, share experiences and concerns about the illness and provide mutual support. The group also welcomes carers, family and friends.There is no fee to attend and no need to book – please feel free to turn up on the day. Venue is right across street from railway station with plenty city centre parking.Carole Macleay, the group organiser is also more than happy to travel within the North of Scotland to meet up with anyone who feels they need some support. We can meet for a cuppa and a chat. I am aware that Inverness is some distance away from most of the Highland area but please don’t let that stop you from speaking to someone about BDD. You most certainly are not alone. Carole can be contacted at gacmacleay@btinternet.com

7. Stockton, California, USA (BDD/Body Image) – Temporarily by Phone only

Where: Telephone

Dates: Every Sunday

Time: 12:00pm

Contact: Lon @ Phone: 1 209 513 2319

Email: lssrpc@yahoo.com

Type: User led.

The 12 Step group Utilizing the highly effective & time tested 12 Step model, since 1935 – will provide an opportunity to meet other people with BDD challenges, share experiences and concerns about the illness and provide mutual support. The group also welcomes carers, family and friends.

This group does not offer professional guidance but is an opportunity to share ideas and provide mutual support. The group is open to those afflicted and or caring/supportive others.

Cost: There is a nominal (good will / 7th tradition) offering requested to attend this group. Eg $1-5

8. Glasgow, Scotland (BDD)

Where: NEW Venue! : The Gateway Centre, North Methven Street, Perth PH1 5PP

Date: Saturday 14th March

Time: 2 pm to 4 pm. Pop in at any point.

Contact: Carole

Glasgow support group for BDD sufferers and their families.No charge. Very friendly and relaxed group.

9. Oldham (BDD/Support Anxiety)

Where: Meeting Room 2, Oldham library (Greaves St, Oldham OL1 1AL)

Dates: Wednesday 25th March and then on the last Wednesday of every month

Time: 6-7pm

Contact: Momoe

Social Anxiety and Body Dysmorphic Disorder Support Group. Open to anyone suffering including carers, families and friends.

Feel free to just turn up on the day or email Momoe.

ONLINE GROUPS

1. OCD Action Online Daytime BDD Support Group (Skype, landline or mobile)

Where: Skype/Landline/Mobile (audio only)

Dates: Third Wednesday of the month

Meeting Time: 2pm

Contact: Maxine (OCD Action sign-up volunteer)

Email: sign-up@ebtsupportgroups.co.uk

Tel: 0303 040 1112