Support Groups

There are two weekly support groups that are available. One meets on a weekday in the evening, and the other on a weekend in the morning. There are only 5 spaces per session to keep groups intimate.

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What's a Support Group?

A support group is a gathering of people facing common issues to share what’s troubling them. Through the sharing of experiences, they’re able to offer support, encouragement, and comfort to the other group members, and receive the same in return. When you’re going through a challenging or traumatic time, family members and friends may sympathize, but they don’t always know what to say or the best ways to help.

A support group offers a safe place where you can get information that’s practical, constructive, and helpful. You’ll have the benefit of encouragement, and you’ll learn more about coping with your problems through shared experiences. Hearing from others facing similar challenges can also make you feel less alone in your troubles.

 

Why Meet Online

Online support groups can be useful when it’s not possible to meet in person. They’re a great alternative if the distance is too far, transportation isn’t available, or your work or family schedule prevents you from attending an in-person support group. Online support groups can also work well for those who are dealing with rare circumstances or where your peers are spread out across a wide area.

 

Sharing in a group makes me anxious. Are support groups for me?

It’s common to feel nervous, frightened, or even ashamed. By joining a support group, it means you’re acknowledging and accepting the fact that the issue you’re facing is real, you can no longer avoid dealing with it, and you need help. These can be hard things to accept, but there are ways to overcome the obstacles to taking that first step.

You have nothing to lose by giving a support group a fair try. The people sitting on the other side of the door once felt the very same way you do.

You’ll likely make new friends who will be more sympathetic than some of your closest friends and family members are able to be about your current circumstances.

If you’re afraid to go alone, consider asking a trusted friend to tag along for moral support. After the first few meetings, you’re sure to feel more at ease.

The agenda for Haven Women’s Support Groups covers four things:

 
  • The facilitator welcoming everyone
  • Each participant is given the opportunity to introduce themselves
  • A group discussion and peer sharing.
  • The facilitator’s closing remarks and ending the group meeting.

 

How do I make the most of joining a support group?

Attend on a regular basis.

You’ll get the most out of a support group if you attend regularly. It will help you get acquainted with other group members and increase your comfort level.

Participate in the discussions.

Participating in a group keeps the discussion flowing and everyone engaged. Other participants will look forward to hearing your updates and any words of wisdom you have to share with them.

Be sensitive to others in the group.

There’s always a chance that something could come up during the group that upsets you or rubs you the wrong way. Be cognizant that people who come to support groups are dealing with serious, sensitive, and emotionally-charged issues. If you can’t look past it, bring the issue to the facilitator’s attention, and give them a chance to resolve it.

Recognize when a group isn’t the right fit.

A productive support group depends a lot on group dynamics. With different people joining and leaving the group, group dynamics can change. If things aren’t working out, you might consider switching to a different support group.

 

Rescheduling & Cancellations:

This is not a mentoring session, if you would like to address your personal experience in detail, please book a one-to-one session.

Registration fees are non-refundable and a missed session is non-transferrable to a different meeting.

Please double check the time and date before registering.

I have a strict no cancellation policy and no refunds will be provided. Jazakum Allah khair for understanding.

Booking Options

Sunday Morning Support Group

£22

/Month /Year
  • 10-11:30am UK time
  • 90-minute Group Session
  • Zoom Call with Sumayah
  • 5 Spaces Per Session
  • Open to Women 18+
Book the sunday session

Thursday Night Support Group

£21

/Month /Year
  • 9:30-11:00pm UK time
  • 90-minute Group Session
  • Zoom Call with Sumayah
  • 5 Spaces Per Session
  • Open to Women 18+
Book the thursday session

4 Support Group Session Package

£80

/Month /Year
  • 4 x 90-minute Group Sessions
  • Zoom Call with Sumayah
  • Open to Women 18+
  • Save 10% with the package
Book The 4-Session package

Support Group Success Stories

  • Sumayah is present, listens carefully with her heart

    — Aldijana, Support group attendee
    "It’s not easy to speak to someone you don’t know at first, but you will realize the importance and worth of speaking about your concerns with a caring individual like her, and the importance of working on your healing. It all feels easy with the right person listening and so it’s okay to be yourself with her in the session."

  • The environment that Sumayah provides is safe and non judgemental

    — Suffia, H. Support group attendee
    I don’t have any friends or family that I can vent to. The benefit of attending these sessions is that you can share your challenges and be wholeheartedly listened to. In our busy worlds, there are too many fixers and not enough listeners! It’s amazing, all the participants gel so well, we end up being part of each others duaas! Money can’t buy that!

  • Initially I was scared out of my mind to embark upon a group session

    — Sakinah, Support group attendee
    Once I started talking without any interruptions or feelings of being judged, the words and expressions of feelings flowed. To sit amongst women who could relate and whom also felt comfortable with sharing their story, served as not only a life lesson but a blessing. I plan to incorporate these group sessions as a part of my self care and healing journey!

  • Sumayah, your feedback after was golden!

    — Support group attendee
    I am so glad I attended even though I was reluctant only because I struggle to open up after facing so many betrayals. It’s seems daunting to open up to strangers. However, when another person shared how they felt I immediately related and she gave me the permission to also share. Sumayah your feedback after was golden and May Allah bless you in creating this because having a safe place it’s so critical in today society and some people don’t have that elsewhere.

  • I was in a very bad place mentally and emotionally and was struggling to get help.

    — Sister N, support group attendee
    Then I saw the post for Sumayah’s support group. I felt like what did I have to lose by trying one session and boy am I glad I did it! Sumayah and the others were kind, supportive, non-judgemental and empathetic and it was exactly what I needed to feel better. I’m snapping less at my family, taking better care of myself. I also feel a huge weight lifted off my chest. I feel light and unburdened.

  • The session has carried me through this week.

    — Support group attendee
    I just want to thank you for the support group. The session has carried me through this week. It’s challenging for me to open up about stuff that’s bothering me from the past. But whenever I do open up in the group, I find that the support and comfort and empathy that I get more than makes up for the discomfort of being vulnerable. Jazakallah khair for holding this space week after week it’s so very essential and I am so grateful that I found it.

  • I love that the number of attendees is small, it allowed for everyone to get to share their story.

    — Salma Support group attendee
    I have been missing a support group for muslim women and when I saw that Sumayah was hosting one, I was all in. I love that the number of attendees is small, it allowed for everyone to get to share their story. I felt very safe in the group and the atmosphere was loving and kind. Hearing all the different stories and getting input on my own made me feel a lot less alone in my experience. Strongly recommend for anyone to try out if you want that community feel!

  • I've struggled with asking for support personally

    — Michelle, Support group attendee
    Today, I had an incredible experience attending Sumayah's support group, which turned out to be a wonderful gift to myself. Despite being someone who often offers support and advice to others, I've struggled with asking for support personally. This led me to join the support group, and I'm so glad I did. Sumayah and the other attendees were truly supportive and understanding, creating a space where I felt comfortable sharing without being judged or rushed. It was a surprisingly positive experience, unlike the discomfort I anticipated as someone seeking support. I plan to make it a regular part of my life, and I wholeheartedly recommend others to consider joining too.

Looking for more?

I also offer 1-on-1 sessions for women who are at the stage where they’re ready to make changes, and are willing to do the work. Even if it means getting uncomfortable. If that sounds like you, click below to book a private session.

Mentoring Sessions

Emergency?

I am not able to assist during a crisis. If it’s a medical emergency, please call 911 (US) or 999 (UK). 

I cannot respond to DMs or non-client emails with mental health questions or provide individuals with tailored or personalized advice. In the case of a crisis please consult a mental health professional or emergency service in your area who can assist you. 

Going to A&E (Call 999): If your life is at risk, you need an emergency service. A&E departments are open 24 hours a day.

 

Mental Health Crisis Helplines

Samaritans: To talk about anything that is upsetting you, you can contact Samaritans 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can call 116 123 (free from any phone)

National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK: Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK on 0800 689 5652 (open 24/7).

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM). You can call the CALM on 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day) if you are struggling and need to talk. Or if you prefer not to speak on the phone, you could try the CALM webchat service.