Free Health Updates
Skip to main content
Table of Contents
< All Topics
Print

What support groups are available for ADHD? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Finding a community that understands ADHD can make daily life easier. In the UK, people can access a mix of national charities, local NHS-linked peer groups, and online communities. According to NICE guidance, group-based psychoeducation and peer support are valuable parts of ADHD care, helping reduce isolation, improve understanding, and make treatment strategies more effective. 

Discover if you have ADHD

National and local ADHD support options 

Major national charities include ADHD UK, ADHD Foundation, and ADDISS, all of which offer peer-support meetings, webinars, and education for adults, families, and professionals. Many NHS trusts also run or signpost to local ADHD or neurodiversity support groups, such as those listed by NHS Dorset and North Yorkshire services. 

Some NHS ADHD clinics now include group psychoeducation as part of care. For example, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust runs an eight-session group for adults to learn about ADHD, share experiences, and build coping strategies together (SLAM NHS). 

Peer support and psychoeducation 

According to NICE and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, everyone with ADHD, and their families, should have access to reliable information and opportunities to connect with others. Peer groups and psychoeducation sessions can help people understand ADHD, develop confidence, and learn practical ways to manage symptoms. For parents, group-based training and support are recommended as first-line options, especially for families of young children. 

Online and hybrid communities 

Since the pandemic, many groups have moved online. Moderated communities like ADHDadultUK, NHS-affiliated webinars, and hybrid peer-support meetings now reach wider audiences. NHS services caution, however, that quality varies in unmoderated social-media spaces can spread misinformation, so it is best to stick to groups signposted by the NHS or recognised charities. 

Support for families and partners 

Family members often find support through dedicated ADHD parent groups, carers’ centres, or online psychoeducation sessions. These provide evidence-based advice on communication, stress management, and collaboration with schools or workplaces. Some adult peer groups also include sessions for partners, helping improve understanding and reduce relationship stress. 

The takeaway 

Support groups cannot replace clinical treatment, but they do make living with ADHD less isolating. As NICE guidance highlights, psychoeducation and peer connection help people understand their condition, share strategies, and use treatment more effectively. For trusted options, start with NHS signposting, RCPsych resources, or recognised UK charities such as ADHD UK and ADHD Foundation. 

For people exploring therapy-based or coaching-style support, programmes like Theara Change are developing evidence-aligned tools designed to complement ADHD care, not replacing it. 

Victoria Rowe, MSc
Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy. 

Categories