New Personality Disorder peer support group opens in York

A new informal peer support group for people aged 18 and over living with Personality Disorders has launched in York. The first group was opened by York Central MP Rachael Maskell.

The group has been developed by Claire Murphy from York who lives with the mental health condition, known as Personality Disorder, or ‘PD.’ Claire has found that there is not enough specific support for people like herself who live with the condition and often misunderstanding surrounds the diagnosis. Claire’s concept for the group is peers getting together a non-clinical setting and being inspired by invited speakers who themselves have first-hand experience or knowledge of PD and have successful and fulfilling lives. Claire also wanted the group to be a place where peers could support each other through the tougher times, knowing that they’d receive understanding and encouragement.

Claire was successful in receiving a small amount of funding from Community Links, through their service user Bright Ideas Fund. Claire’s support worker Trudi supported Claire in her plans to see the group come to fruition. Claire hopes to secure further funding from another source to ensure the sustainability of the group, to pay for room hire, refreshments and to attract speakers from further afield. Claire also hopes that group members will become involved in the planning and delivery of the group each month.

The monthly get-togethers, called, ‘PD, Tea and Me’ are open to people aged 18 and over with PD and will begin with regular meetings held on the first Tuesday in the month from 6:30 – 8pm at Chill Café in York (Acomb Court, Front Street, Acomb).

To attend the regular meetings, or for more information please contact pdteaandme@gmail.com and check out the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pdteaandme/