BIG in Mental Health (Bury Involvement Group)

BIG, also known as Bury Involvement Group, is a local charity for people aged 18 and over, who are experiencing mental health conditions. No referral is required, you can just turn up at our groups. BIG is run by volunteers with lived experience of mental health conditions. Although based in Bury, people from any area can attend BIG. We are a strong independent voice in mental health.

Support Groups

Here at BIG we offer Peer Support through the means of support groups on each week day. Our groups are held in different venues in the local community. We offer a safe, welcoming environment where you will meet like-minded people who understand what it is like living with a mental health condition. People who attend say they no longer feel alone and have a sense of belonging. Our service users are at different stages in their recovery and we provide mutual support and hope to one another. We do not provide individual support for people at BIG.

All groups are free to attend but we do appreciate a voluntary contribution towards the cost of refreshments and room hire. Most people give a donation of £1 at each group. We rely on donations to run our service and we are very grateful for people’s generosity. 

The support groups we host are:

1. Stronger Together- A safe space for people to share their experiences and listen and learn from others in a non judgemental environment.

2. Recovery- Share your experiences in a safe and welcoming environment whilst learning from our guest speakers.

3. Calm in Crisis- Support for people who are in crisis or hoping to prevent crisis point.

4. Drop-in- Join us for a cup of coffee and a chat.

5. Ward Group- The inpatient peer support group is only accessible to patients on the Irwell Unit Psychiatric Ward at Fairfield Hospital. The group provides patients with a safe and non judgemental space to share their experiences with people who can relate to them. Patients get the opportunity to find out all about BIG so they can access our support when discharged from hospital.

All of our groups in the community are friendly and supportive. No referrals. No waiting lists. Just turn up.

What people say:

“BIG is my lifeline. It is a place where I can feel safe. I can meet with people who understand how I feel, who do not judge me and make me feel accepted and valued. I have gained a lot of knowledge and made several friends attending BIG.”