Peer Support for Complex Emotional Needs

Connect with people who understand what you’re going through

About the Service

This service offers specialist peer support for people experiencing long-standing emotional and interpersonal difficulties, often linked to what is sometimes described as complex emotional needs (CEN).

Through groups, 1:1 sessions, workshops, and social activities, you’ll meet others who understand the realities of intense emotions, relationship challenges, and the impact of past trauma. Together, you’ll build confidence, coping skills, and connection in a safe, supportive community.

Who it's for

This service is for adults who:

Are 18+
Live in Kensington & Chelsea or Westminster
Experience long-standing emotional and interpersonal difficulties
May have a diagnosis of personality disorder, or may not (a diagnosis is not required)
Would benefit from connecting with others who share similar emotional challenges

Location:

Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster

Service types:

Peer support, Connection with others, Community support, Advice and support

Referral types:

Healthcare referral

What do we mean by ‘Complex Emotional Needs’?

People with CEN often:

Experience rapid or intense changes in mood
Struggle in relationships or feel insecure with others
Carry trauma, neglect or instability from childhood or adolescence
Have strong or overwhelming emotional responses
Feel frightened, unsafe, or unsure about themselves
Experience repeated self-harm or thoughts that life isn’t worth living

“Complex Emotional Needs” is not a diagnosis. It is a compassionate way of describing emotional and relational challenges that many people live with.

This pathway is specifically for people whose main challenges relate to their emotional wellbeing, relationships, and sense of self.

People with psychosis, autism or ADHD may also have complex emotional health needs, but they may require different forms of specialist support.

What to expect

Depending on what feels right for you, you can join:

Peer Support Groups: Structured, self-help groups where you can share experiences, learn from others, and feel part of a community that understands.

1:1 Peer Support: A peer worker will meet with you individually to talk through challenges, explore coping strategies, and offer support from someone who’s been there.

Living Well Workshops: Practical sessions exploring topics such as:

Managing stress
Understanding anxiety
Sleep and routine
Confidence and boundaries

Co-facilitated by Peer Trainers with lived experience.

Social Peer Support: Friendly, informal activities including museum visits, walking groups, creative sessions, coffee meet-ups, and more.

What people say about the service

“Peer Support service has been very supportive and absolutely lifesaving.”

“Peer Support is the one factor that has made me much better. It has improved my sense of belonging and my confidence has returned after ten years.”

“Before joining Peer Support there was nothing to look forward to. The staff and people there have such friendliness and compassion.”

“There is inspiration in attending the groups, the opportunity to form bonds, and I don't feel so alone, even when I have other troubles on my mind. It feels like I belong to a family.”

“The Peer Support service has offered me the opportunity to meet other people and really helped with my social isolation.”

These words capture what this service is all about: helping people feel seen, heard and less alone.

Lucy's story

“Having the peer support service makes you feel like you’re not on your own and not isolated. It’s a lifesaver.”

Lucy first joined Peer Support while grieving the loss of a family member and navigating work, health challenges, and anxiety.

Through group sessions and workshops, she found space to breathe, connect, and make sense of overwhelming emotions.

“There are times when I don’t feel able to come in person, but I can manage an online group. It’s so welcoming, whether you talk or just listen.”

Peer Support became a place where Lucy felt safe, understood, and never judged.

“It helps unravel your mind when everything feels like it’s spinning.”

What’s on

Individuals cannot attend groups without a referral. To join, please ask a healthcare professional to complete the referral form. Once accepted, you’ll be added to our mailing list with details on how to sign up for groups.

The timetable is static, we also run additional ad hoc groups and social events, which are shared in our weekly mail-out.

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