This month, unLTD’s Holly Dibden spoke with trustee Paul from Sheffield-based and volunteer-run charity No Panic, who offer drop-in peer support groups to anyone with depression, anxiety or low mood.
Tell us about your organisation and what you do…
We are No Panic Sheffield; we’ve run mental health peer support groups for 18+ for 15 years. We offer weekly in-person and online support groups, as well as monthly social events.
Our groups are a mix of psychoeducation, a social space and to normalise talking about mental health. They are drop-in, small, friendly and safe groups.
What inspired the start of No Panic?
Initially, No Panic Sheffield was part of an NHS-funded drive to create a group to support individuals experiencing mental health problems.
A primary aim was that it would eventually be peer-led which it has been for many years.
It was inspired by the idea of having accessible help with psychoeducation that didn’t need to be booked onto.
For individuals to share coping strategies, normalise difficult conversations and for socialising as well. We also wanted to offer the groups at convenient times with no waiting lists or pressure to attend.
What does No Panic mean to your group members?
A safe space where people can relate, share and learn from each other. Anxiety is a life-changing and debilitating condition that people need help for as soon as possible, and peer support groups can help that. Members can find support among individuals experiencing similar problems.
When and how can people access the groups?
To join or refer someone, head to our website nopanicsheffield.org/join-refer. On Wednesdays, we offer a group in-person 6:30-8:30pm, at Sheffield Flourish or online at the same time via a zoom link.
Thursday’s session is in person 10am-12pm, at Unit 4, SODIT, SYAC building. We also have monthly socials which are usually scenic park walks in Sheffield which we put details of on our social media.
How can people donate or help the charity?
Any donations please make to No Panic Sheffield, Cooperative Bank, 08-92-99 and account number 65442645.
We are a micro-charity with 100% volunteers, we run on grants and donations. The last financial year we had £1,100 income and £1,100 expenditure, so any donations would be greatly received. £20 allows us to run one session!
No Panic are looking for new Trustees to help the organisation fulfil its charitable administrative obligations as well as oversee and inspire their volunteers. To become a trustee or volunteer, to donate, join or refer someone, you can email nopanicsheffvol@gmail.com or visit nopanicsheffield.org.
