Service Detail

Who can benefit from SUN?

Any adult experiencing difficulties with complex emotional needs, including challenges with relationships, stress, and impulsivity. This may or may not have led to a formal diagnosis. We also welcome people from all sorts of backgrounds to learn from each other’s experiences.

Why do people join SUN?

SUN has been used in other parts of the UK, and members report:

• Better ability to problem solve difficulties and things causing stress
• Feeling understood and accepted
• Less contact with crisis or emergency services
• To get ideas about how to cope
• Less risky or destructive behaviours
• Feeling less alone and isolated

What happens at a SUN group?

Each group meeting is two-and-a-half hours, and follows the same three stage format with breaks in between each stage:

1. Check In: people talk about how they are feeling/thinking, what support they want from the group, and/or whether they can offer support to others
2. Main discussion: depending on what topics or themes are raised at the check in, the group negotiate an agenda (always prioritising risk) and offer support and advice to each other, including alternative ways of coping.
3. Check Out: people are asked to confirm they are safe to leave the group, and if needed they are signposted for further support.

What is expected of me?

You will always be asked to check in and check out. In the main discussion, you will be encouraged to give support and receive support, and generally be part of the group. If you do not feel confident about being in a group, please raise this with the Lewisham SUN Project Team.

How long can I join SUN for?

You can attend as many or as few groups as you choose. If you have not attended a group for three months we will close your membership but you can self-refer again in future.

Is SUN like a Community Mental Health Team?

No, all the work in SUN is done within the group as the peer support element is key. The facilitators do not spend individual time with members. Whilst attending SUN, you can still be open to another mental health team and in crisis you would be signposted to relevant services.

Can I invite someone to the SUN group?

To attend a SUN group, a person has to register with the SUN team. If they have not done this, they will not be able to attend any groups.

What if professional visitors attend SUN groups?

Occasionally professional visitors may ask to observe a SUN group to understand the model of support. If a visit is expected, members of that group will be notified in advance.

Will you collect my information?

We only collect the personal data required to ensure a person receives the support they need. For more information about how data is held, please go to our information sharing webpage - https://slam.nhs.uk/personal-information-gdpr 

Are the groups confidential?

Everyone attending the group is asked to respect each other's confidentiality and to not disclose anything discussed within the group outside of the group. There may be times when group facilitators need to share information with other professionals. They will always aim to discuss this with you within the group and come to an agreement about what action is needed.

Can I meet up or speak to other group members outside of SUN?

We do not encourage people to meet outside of SUN, as it may disrupt the group process e.g. people feeling left out. We also discourage communicating on social media.

What if I want to leave SUN?

To stop being a member, you will need to inform the SUN team.

If you have more unanswered questions, please take a look at the FAQs in our Welcome Pack