Support Groups
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, all face-to-face support groups run by British Liver Trust are currently suspended. However we have launched a programme of virtual support groups via the online platform Zoom.
These have been very popular as an alternative to the face-to-face meetings that cannot take place at present. If you would like to attend a virtual group, please follow this link Virtual support group registration – we look forward to ‘seeing’ you soon!
Many patients and families affected by a liver condition find it helpful to speak to others and share experiences. Meeting face to face can really help and the British Liver Trust facilitates groups across the UK. These groups can be a real lifeline.
Groups included here are either British Liver Trust groups or other charity support groups which offer help. Groups may be disease specific or offer more general liver patient and family support.
If you are connected with a group you would like to include on the website, or to change any information about your group, please email info@britishlivertrust.org.uk.
Note: if you cannot find the support you are looking for here then please try visiting our 'Useful Links' section for details of other organisations that may be able to help
Can I say how much we enjoyed the meeting tonight. So good to hear other people's problems and know that you are not alone. Thank you again and we will definitely be at the next meeting.
Jackie, living with AIH
In this section
- Find a group by location
- Find a group by liver condition
- Helpline and online community
- Practical support
- Patient stories
- Helpful information and resources
Find a group by location
Find a support group in the list below according to an area of the country. There are also a number of national groups and organisations who cover all regions/areas.
National groups - cover all areas
AIH Support
Online forum for anyone affected by AIH
Ann Brownlee
www.aihsupport.org.uk
admin@aihsupport.org.uk
Alpha 1 UK Support and Awareness group
Online forum, information and support for anyone affected by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency.
www.alpha1.org.uk
info@alpha1.org.uk
AMMF
Charity and online support forum for anyone affected by Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer). Provide information for patient and families, and support through an online forum.
Club Soda
An organisation that provides a blog, events and courses to support people to change their drinking habits.
https://www.joinclubsoda.co.uk
laura@joinclubsoda.co.uk
Haemochromatosis UK
www.haemochromatosis.org.uk
office@huk.org.uk
helpline@huk.org.uk
Advice line: 03030 401102
Hep C Trust
The Hepatitis C Trust no longer run support groups but have a UK national helpline, staffed solely by people who have had experience of living with hepatitis C. They are open from Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 4.30pm, on 020 7089 6221 or by email to helpline@hepctrust.org.uk
In addition to this, they also run a Freephone national helpline specifically for prisoners to access information and support on 0800 999 2052
Office: 020 7089 6220
Email: admin@hepctrust.org.uk
Website: www.hepctrust.org.uk/support
Hepatitis B Positive Trust
Website and information line for people with Hepatitis B
www.hepbpositive.org.uk
0800 206 1899
ICP Support
Provides support and information on ICP via moderated social media groups and a telephone support line.
www.icpsupport.org
supportline@icpsupport.org
Liver Transplant Online Support UK
Online group offering peer to peer support for anyone pre or post liver transplant.
www.facebook.com/groups/livertransplantonlinesupportgroupuk/
PBC Foundation
PBC Foundation
www.pbcfoundation.org.uk
info@pbcfoundation.org.uk
0131 556 6811
PSC Support
Information, research and support for anyone affected by PSC
www.pscsupport.org.uk
info@pscsupport.org.uk
Helpline: 01235 253545
Soberistas
Articles, chatroom, life stories and information on alcohol reduction. Membership fee may be required.
www.soberistas.com
enquiries@soberistas.com
Wilson’s Disease Support
Valerie Wheater
www.wilsonsdisease.org.uk
val@wilsonsdisease.org.uk
01233 364982
Addenbrookes Liver Transplant Association (ALTA)
www.alta.org.uk
info@alta.org.uk
Basildon & Thurrock Liver Support
Please call 01268 593078 for further information
Essex Liver Support
Informal support by phone and email:
Debbie Eady
deb.eady@ntlworld.com
essex.liversupport@ntlworld.com
01799 501869
Norfolk & Norwich Liver Support
Group meets bi-monthly at the Norfolk and Norwich University hospital, Jack Prior Unit, Room 25, Level 3.
Marjorie Dingle
marjorie.dingle@hotmail.com
01362 695624
Southend Hepatitis C Peer Support
A CRI Gateway service meets every Friday at 2pm.
Nick
sajid.mahmood@cri.org.uk
01702 613392
Grantham Addaction
www.addaction.org.uk/lincolnshire
grantham@addaction.org.uk
Hep C Trust
The Hepatitis C Trust no longer run support groups but have a UK national helpline, staffed solely by people who have had experience of living with hepatitis C. They are open from Monday to Friday from 10.30am to 4.30pm, on 020 7089 6221 or by email to helpline@hepctrust.org.uk
In addition to this, they also run a Freephone national helpline specifically for prisoners to access information and support on 0800 999 2052
Office: 020 7089 6220
Email: admin@hepctrust.org.uk
Website: www.hepctrust.org.uk/support
LISTEN Support Group
The Group is for all those listed for transplant or post transplant at Kings College Hospital London. Meetings take place from 2pm to 4pm, on the third Monday of every month in the Liver Seminar Room (located in the Institute of Liver Studies, 2nd floor Cheyne Wing, Kings College Hospital). Meetings include a talk on a special topic for 30-45 minutes followed by general discussion and sharing of experiences.
Paul McKie
paul.mckie@nhs.net
LIVErNORTH
Adult Liver patient support group and charity for all liver conditions based at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Joan Bedlington
www.livernorth.org.uk
info@livernorth.org.uk
0191 3702961
Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre Haemochromatosis Support Group
Marguerite Smith
www.haemochromatosisblackpool.org.uk
margueritesmith@blueyonder.co.uk
0776 804 2802
Manchester Royal Infirmary Liver Patients Support
The group meets on a Thursday morning at MRI in the Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & GI Investigations.
Esther Pears
Esther.Pears@mft.nhs.uk
0161 276 8772
R-Space Recovery Group Liverpool
R-Space aims to help people find recovery in Merseyside and the surrounding areas by providing regular meetings, activities and one to one support.
Meetings are held in north Liverpool (L11) and south Liverpool (L18)
SOS Cancer Support
Meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from January 2018 at Cancer Care, Slynedales, Slyne Road, Lancaster LA2 6ST. Supports patients and carers with personal experience of stomach, oesophageal, liver or pancreatic cancers in the Morecambe Bay area.
Phil Carey
Ian and Jinty Hay
http://www.sos-cancersupport.uk/
ian@sos-cancersupport.uk
Northern Ireland
British Liver Trust Northern Ireland Virtual Wellbeing Group – open to patients and family members affected by any liver condition - currently meets fortnightly online.
Contact info@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Northern Ireland Transplant Association
Information and support for Transplantees living in Northern Ireland.
www.nitransplant.org
07926 060491
Royal Victoria Hospital Liver Support
Donald Cairnduff
www.rvhliversupportgroup.org
dcairnduff@msn.com
07701 029347
Scotland
Aberdeen Liver Support
This group is open to anyone, patients and family members affected by any liver condition. Meets 3 times per year from 11am-1pm at The Copthorne Hotel, Huntly Street, Aberdeen AB10 1TE.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Ayr Liver Support
This group is open to anyone, patients and family members affected by any liver condition. Group meets quarterly in Ayr. Contact us for more information.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Dundee Liver Support
This group is open to anyone, patients or family members affected by any liver condition. The group runs quarterly from 4-6pm in Dundee Carers Centre, Seagate House, 132-134 Seagate, Dundee DD1 2HB.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Edinburgh Capital C Group
This group offers support to individuals living with Hepatitis C and their affected family members. Runs quarterly from 12-2pm at the Holiday Inn Express, Royal Mile, Edinburgh 300 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1NA. Contact us for more information.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Edinburgh General Liver Support
This group is open to anyone, patients and family members affected by any liver condition. Meets quarterly at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Edinburgh Genetic/Autoimmune Liver Support
This group is open to anyone affected by a rare, genetic or autoimmune liver condition and is open to patients and family members. Meets quarterly from 6-8pm in the Holiday Inn Express, Royal Mile, Edinburgh 300 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1NA.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Edinburgh Pre & Post Liver Transplant Support
This group is for pre and post liver transplant support and is open to patients and family members affected by transplant. The group is co facilitated by the social work team based in the liver transplant unit. The group meets six weekly from 9.30am-1pm in OPD 4, Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, 51 Lttle france Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Forth Valley Liver Support
This group is open to all patients, carers and family members affected by any liver condition. This group runs quarterly in Falkirk. Contact us for more information.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Glasgow Pre & Post Transplant Liver Transplant Support
This group is a pre and post liver transplant support group and open to patients and family members affected by liver transplant. The group meets from 12-2pm in the Liver Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, 84 Castle Street, Glasgow G4 0SF.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Glasgow Genetic/Autoimmune Liver Condition Support
This group is open to patients, family members and carers affected by a rare, genetic or autoimmune liver condition. The group runs quarterly from 6-8pm at: Double Tree Hilton, 36 Cambridge Street, Glasgow G2 3HN.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Glasgow Hepatitis C Support
This group offers support to individuals living with Hepatitis C and their affected family members. It is co facilitated with Waverley Care and is held monthly at Waverley Care, 12 Queens Crescent, Glasgow, G4 9AS.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Inverness Liver Support
This group is open to anyone, patients and family members affected by any liver condition. Group runs twice per year. Contact us for more details.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Paisley Liver Support
This group is open to anyone, patients and family members affected by
any liver condition. Contact us for more
details.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Renfrewshire Pre & Post Liver Transplant Support
This group is a patient led support group for pre and post liver transplant patients, their carers and family members. Meets quarterly in February, May, August and November from 12-2pm in Paisley Abbey, 575 cotton Street, PA1 1JG.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
South east England
Berkshire HealthMakers
Berkshire HealthMakers aim to help people better manage their long term health condition and improve quality of life through their six week self-management courses which run throughout the year. Courses are available to anyone living with a long term health condition in East Berkshire (Ascot, Bracknell, Maidenhead, Sandhurst, Slough and Windsor) area.
www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk
https://www.facebook.com/HealthmakersUK/
West Sussex Support
Support for patients, family and friends affected by any liver condition. The group meets regularly in Chichester, email Jim Cullen for details:
cullen54march@gmail.com
Worthing Hep C Women’s Support
Meets regularly in Worthing, covering Brighton and West Sussex. Contact for details:
Hepatitis Nurse Specialist Sophie Costello
sophie.costello@bsuh.nhs.uk
Bath Community Liver Support
Meets on the 3rd Monday of the month (except bank holidays) from 6.30pm in Gastroenterology Department waiting area, Ward B57, Royal United Hospital Bath, BA1 3NG.
Sara Gardner
Fiona Ladd
Claire Weaver
Charlotte Inwood
ruh-tr.hepatology@nhs.net
https://www.facebook.com/groups/532689996843485/
Cornwall Liver Support
Meets on the 4th Monday of the month 12-1.30pm at Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3DH.
Carol Kavanagh
carolkav55@gmail.com
Facebook group (Liver-ish Allsorts): https://www.facebook.com/groups/559485634168975/
Exeter Liver Support
Meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm in the Medical Outpatients Department at the Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital.
Jim Baker
jimbaker87@gmail.com
01363 773807 / 07840 737 439
Facebook group available: http://www.facebook.com/groups
Plymouth Friends of Liver Lifeline
Email and telephone support
sheilaconnolly1@mail.com
01752 934942
Torquay Hep C support
Group not currently running but some support is available at Torbay Hospital. If you need support or are interested in forming a support group in this area please contact support@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Queen Elizabeth Liver Patients Support
Meets at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham.
Alan Hyde
liversupport@blueyonder.co.uk
www.uhblsg.org.uk
01902 679333
Yorkshire
St James’s Liver Transplant Support
Janet Atherton
www.stjamesltsg.org
athertonjanet@aol.com
07864 521213
Wales
Bangor Liver Support
British Liver Trust in Wales support group for those affected by liver disease (and their families and carers).
Please contact us for more information.
Julie Adams
julie.adams@britishlivertrust.org.uk or wales@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Cardiff Liver Support
British Liver Trust in Wales support group for those affected by liver disease (and their families and carers).
It takes place at The Jubilee Room at The Sports and Social Club, Heath Park Way, University Hospital of Wales CF14 4XW.
Contact wales@britishlivertrust.org.uk for further information.
Gwent Liver Support
Group providing ongoing support for patients, relatives and carers of those living with liver disease in the local area. Come along and meet the team, learn about available services and chat to others affected by liver disease.
Meet each month in The Chapel, St Woolos Hospital, Newport NP20 4SZ from 6:30pm. Email us for upcoming meeting dates: LiverNurseAdviceLine.ABB@wales.nhs.uk.
No need to book – just come along and meet the team, learn about available services and chat to others affected by liver disease.
Llandudno Liver Support
British Liver Trust in Wales support group for those affected by liver disease (and their families and carers).
Meets in Llandudno General Hospital, Hospital Road, Llandudno LL30 1LB. Please contact us for more information.
Julie Adams
julie.adams@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Llanelli Liver Support
Support group for anyone living with or affected by liver disease. Meets on the second Tuesday of each month from 1pm to 3pm at Llanelli Fire Station, Corporation Avenue, SA15 3PF
Sarah Lowther
sarah.lowther@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Swansea Liver Support
British Liver Trust in Wales support group for those affected by alcohol related liver disease.
Meets every third Tuesday of the month from 12-2pm at the Barod Office, 73 Mansel Street, Swansea SA1 5TR.
Booking essential, please contact us for more information.
Sarah Lowther
sarah.lowther@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Find a group by liver condition
Check the list below to find a group by specific condition. If you cannot find your condition in the list then there are groups that support those with any liver condition.
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.ukBangor Liver SupportBritish Liver Trust in Wales support group for those affected by liver disease (and their families and carers).Please contact us for more information.
Julie Adams
julie.adams@britishlivertrust.org.uk or wales@britishlivertrust.org.ukBasildon & Thurrock Liver SupportPlease call 01268 593078 for further information
Sara Gardner
Fiona Ladd
Claire Weaver
Charlotte Inwoodruh-tr.hepatology@nhs.net
Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/532689996843485/
www.berkshirehealthcare.nhs.uk
https://www.facebook.com/HealthmakersUK/
wales@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Carol Kavanagh
carolkav55@gmail.comFacebook group (Liver-ish Allsorts): https://www.facebook.com/groups/559485634168975/
Dundee Liver Support
This group is open to anyone, patients or family members affected by any liver condition. The group runs quarterly from 4-6pm in Dundee Carers Centre, Seagate House, 132-134 Seagate, Dundee DD1 2HB.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Debbie Eady
deb.eady@ntlworld.com
essex.liversupport@ntlworld.com
01799 501869
Jim Baker
jimbaker87@gmail.com
01363 773807 / 07840 737 439
Facebook group available: http://www.facebook.com/groups/exeter.liversupport/
Forth Valley Liver Support
This group is open to all patients, carers and family members affected by any liver condition. This group runs quarterly in Falkirk. Contact us for more information.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
grantham@addaction.org.uk
Group providing ongoing support for patients, relatives and carers of those living with liver disease in the local area. Come along and meet the team, learn about available services and chat to others affected by liver disease.Meet each month in The Chapel, St Woolos Hospital, Newport NP20 4SZ from 6:30pm. Email us for upcoming meeting dates: LiverNurseAdviceLine.ABB@wales.nhs.uk.No need to book – just come along and meet the team, learn about available services and chat to others affected by liver disease.
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
www.livernorth.org.uk
Joan Bedlington
info@livernorth.org.uk
0191 3702961
Julie Adams
julie.adams@britishlivertrust.org.uk
sarah.lowther@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Esther Pears
Esther.Pears@mft.nhs.uk
0161 276 8772
Marjorie Dingle
marjorie.dingle@hotmail.com
01362 695624
sheila.connolly1@gmail.com
01752 934942
Alan Hyde
liversupport@blueyonder.co.uk
www.uhblsg.org.uk
01902 679333Royal Victoria Hospital Liver Support
Donald Cairnduff
dcairnduff@msn.com
07701 029347
cullen54march@gmail.com
Forth Valley Liver Support
This group is open to all patients, carers and family members affected by any liver condition. This group runs quarterly in Falkirk. Contact us for more information.
Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Club Soda
An organisation that provides a blog, events and courses to support people to change their drinking habits.
https://www.joinclubsoda.co.uk
laura@joinclubsoda.co.uk
R-Space Recovery Group Liverpool
R-Space aims to help people find recovery in Merseyside and the surrounding areas by providing regular meetings, activities and one to one support.
Meetings are held in north Liverpool (L11) and south Liverpool (L18)
r-spacegroup@outlook.com www.facebook.com/R-Space
Soberistas
Articles, chatroom, life stories and information on alcohol reduction. Membership fee may be required.
www.soberistas.com
enquiries@soberistas.com
Swansea Liver Support
British Liver Trust in Wales support group for those affected by alcohol related liver disease.
Meets every third Tuesday of the month from 12-2pm at the Barod Office, 73 Mansel Street, Swansea SA1 5TR.
Booking essential, please contact us for more information.
Sarah Lowther
sarah.lowther@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency
Online information and support for those with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency.
www.alpha1.uk
info@alpha1.ukAlpha-1 UK Support Online forum, information and support for anyone affected by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency.
www.alpha1.org.uk
info@alpha1.org.ukEdinburgh Genetic/Autoimmune Liver SupportThis group is open to anyone affected by a rare, genetic or autoimmune liver condition and is open to patients and family members. Meets quarterly from 6-8pm in the Holiday Inn Express, Royal Mile, Edinburgh 300 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1NA.Amy Caffrey
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Ann Brownlee
www.aihsupport.org.uk
admin@aihsupport.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
http://www.sos-cancersupport.uk/
Phil Carey
Ian and Jinty Hay
ian@sos-cancersupport.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Marguerite Smith
0776 804 2802
margueritesmith@blueyonder.co.uk
office@huk.org.uk
helpline@huk.org.uk
Advice line: 03030 401102
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
www.hepbpositive.org.uk
0800 206 1899
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
1st Tuesday of each month 7.30-9.30pm at The Information Takeaway, Monmouth Street, Bath BA1 2AN
Joe Rowan
jrowan@nhs.net
07875 366004
Email: admin@hepctrust.org.uk
Website: www.hepctrust.org.uk/support
Hepatitis Nurse Specialist Sophie Costello
sophie.costello@bsuh.nhs.uk
Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP)
www.icpsupport.org
supportline@icpsupport.org
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
0131 556 6811
info@pbcfoundation.org.uk
www.pbcfoundation.org.uk
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Helpline: 01235 253545
info@pscsupport.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
info@alta.org.uk
Paul McKie
paul.mckie@nhs.net
www.facebook.com/groups/livertransplantonlinesupportgroupuk/
www.nitransplant.org
07926 060491
Janet Atherton
athertonjanet@aol.com
07864 521213
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
07824 056686
amy.caffrey@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Valerie Wheater
val@wilsonsdisease.org.uk
01233 364982