Although social exposure alone is rarely a solution on it’s own for people with social anxiety, it is an important part of building confidence around other people when coupled with other strategies. Support groups offer an environment where people can gently grow and use the confidence building strategies they have learnt to make progress. From talking in pair or small groups consisting of only social anxiety sufferers, to public speaking, and to a variety social activities outside the group, there is a social level to suit everyone.

If you have access to a support group or are thinking of starting your own, then it could be one of your best resources for overcoming social anxiety.

How have support/self-help groups helped you?

• Increase the presence of social anxiety groups worldwide.
• Be a central hub where social anxiety sufferers can find their nearest group.
• Provide guidance to help new groups become established.
• Help social anxiety groups run professionally and give the most benefit to their members.
• Allow group facilitators and organisers to share ideas and support each other.
• Encourage intergroup communication and socialising.

Social Anxiety Groups will strive to meet these aims by:

• Providing a manual that offers guidance and materials for current and start-up groups.
• Keeping a list of known social anxiety groups.
• Providing a discussion forums for groups and their members, facilitators and organisers.
• Offering separate website hosting for individual social anxiety groups.
• Providing articles and news relevant to running and attending social anxiety groups.