Our virtual support groups
All of our virtual support groups are facilitated and managed by the British Liver Trust and offer peer to peer support for patients, carers and family members affected by liver disease and liver cancer.
The aim of these groups is to share information on how to look after your liver through topics such as diet, exercise and managing a liver condition as well as encouraging peer to peer support.
We are often joined by guest speakers who offer their area of expertise to support liver patients and their families.
Register to attend a support group
For more information about our virtual support groups see below:
Drop in Groups
We run regional online drop-in sessions for people who want to meet other patients with liver disease and their families. Each session lasts an hour, and people are welcome to attend for all or part of the session. We run two drop-in groups: a Celtic group for people living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and another for those living in England. You do not need to state a preference to join this group on our registration form. You will automatically be invited based on your postcode area.
Introductory sessions
We run quarterly introduction sessions for anyone who has newly signed up to British Liver Trust groups, or anyone who wants to learn more about the British Liver Trust and the support services we offer. This is a great opportunity to meet our support group facilitators before deciding if a support group is right for you. You do not need to state a preference to join this group. You will automatically be invited to the next session when you register your interest in attending a virtual support group.
Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
This group helps people manage their condition by focusing on positive lifestyle changes through diet and exercise.
Alcohol related liver disease (ARLD)
This group helps people look after their liver health and offers peer to peer support for anyone affected. The group focuses on living with cirrhosis and offering tips on how to manage this condition.
Genetic and autoimmune
This group is for anyone with any type of genetic or autoimmune liver condition and often focuses on living well with this type of liver condition. Peer to peer support in this group helps people feel they are not alone in managing some of the difficulties and side effects of the medications that come with these conditions.
Pre and post transplant
This group is for anyone who is living on the transplant list or who has had a liver transplant. This group offers tips to those waiting on the list as well as an opportunity for those waiting to ask any questions to people who have been through the operation.
Liver cancer
This group is for anyone affected by, or has had liver cancer. This group offers peer to peer support, positivity and hope to those going through cancer treatment.
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE)
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) can be a difficult symptom of liver disease to understand and manage. This group is for both patients and families affected by HE and gives tips on how to manage by others who are also experiencing it.
Hepatitis B
The monthly Hepatitis B Virtual Support Group is a safe and confidential space where you can meet with others in the UK living with Hepatitis B. At the meetings we share reliable information on how to live well with the condition, learn through sharing experiences, and promote patient advocacy to give people affected by Hepatitis B a voice.
Young adults
Our Young Adults Virtual Support Group is a safe space for people under the age of 40 who are affected by any form of liver disease. Meetings aim to offer patients access to reliable information on living well with a liver condition, opportunities to lessen feelings of isolation, and to learn from the experiences of others.
Carers group
This is a peer support group for carers or family members of someone living with liver disease, the group will be a safe space to speak to others with shared experience who can empathise and understand your situation.
Face to face groups
We also run a number of face to face groups in Scotland and Wales:
Edinburgh pre and 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 quarterly from 11am-2pm Royal Infirmary Edinburgh, 51 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SA.
There are also two outreach pre and post transplant support group meetings a year in Glasgow and Aberdeen. For more info please contact: 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 twice a year in Falkirk.
Renfrewshire pre and 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.
For information about the Scotland groups please contact: Scotland@britishlivertrust.org.uk
Gwent liver support
Group providing ongoing support for patients, relatives and carers of those living with live disease. Meet the team, learn about available services, and chat to others affected by liver disease. Meetings are currently held on Microsoft Teams. Email: ABB.LiverNurseAdviceLine@wales.nhs.uk for upcoming meeting dates and invite.
Support groups offered by other organisations
a number of other support groups are provided by other charities and these are listed below.
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.
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
www.aihsupport.org.uk
Email: admin@aihsupport.org.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AIHorgUK/
Alpha 1 Awareness
Information and support for those with Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency. Although the Alpha-1 Awareness charity has dissolved, an online Facebook group remains so that those newly diagnosed can still get support from fellow Alphas from around the World.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alpha1awarenessuk
Alpha 1 UK Support Group (Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency)
Online forum, information and support for anyone affected by Alpha-1 Antitrypsin deficiency.
www.alpha1.org.uk
Email: info@alpha1.org.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alpha1uk/
AMMF – The Cholangiocarcinoma Charity
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.
Email: info@ammf.org.uk
Twitter: @CharityAMMF
Club Soda
An organisation that provides a blog, events and courses to support people to change their drinking habits.
www.joinclubsoda.co.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/joinclubsoda/
Haemochromatosis UK
Haemochromatosis UK work to support anyone affected by the condition, across three key areas; support, education & awareness, and medical research.
Advice line: 03030 401102
Advice line email: helpline@huk.org.uk
Hep C Trust
The Hepatitis C Trust is the national UK charity for hepatitis C offering a range of friendly and professional peer-led support services, including advocacy, support groups and a helpline. Whether it is questions you may have, problems you are encountering as a result of your diagnosis, or support you need around any issues connected with hepatitis C, we are here to help you.
Office: 020 7089 6220
Email: admin@hepctrust.org.uk
Their UK national helpline, staffed solely by people who have had experience of living with Hepatitis C, is open from Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 4.30pm:
Advice line: 020 7089 6221
Advice line email: 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
Hepatitis B Positive Trust
Website and information line for people with Hepatitis B
www.hepbpositive.org.uk
Helpline: 07958 558510
Email: coordinator@hepbpositive.org.uk
ICP Support (Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP))
Provides support and information on ICP via moderated social media groups and a telephone support line.
www.icpsupport.org
Helpline: Open 10am-2pm, Mon–Wed on 07939 871929 and Thurs–Fri on 07709 634497
Email: helpline@icpsupport.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/icpsupport/
Liver Transplant Online Support UK
Online group offering peer to peer support for anyone pre or post liver transplant.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/livertransplantonlinesupportgroupuk/
Neuroendocrine Cancer UK
An organisation to support patients and their loved ones with the physical and psychological burden of Neuroendocrine Cancers, with services including counselling and local support groups.
www.neuroendocrinecancer.org.uk/
Helpline: Open 10am-4pm Tues-Thurs on 0800 434 6476
Email: hello@nc-uk.org
PBC Foundation (Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC))
The PBC Foundation helps those affected by PBC: patients, carers, families and health professionals. Offering a range of services including a helpline.
www.pbcfoundation.org.uk
Helpline: 0131 556 6811
Email: info@pbcfoundation.org.uk
PSC Support (Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC))
Information, research and support for anyone affected by PSC
www.pscsupport.org.uk
Office: 01235 253545
Email: hello@pscsupport.org.uk
Turning Point
A leading social enterprise, providing health and social care services in over 300 locations across England, working with people who need support with their drug and alcohol use, mental health, offending behaviour, unemployment issues and people with a learning disability. We aim to inspire and empower them to discover new possibilities in their lives.
We Are With You
Get free, confidential support with alcohol, drugs or mental health online or from one of our local services in England or Scotland.
Wilson’s Disease Support
The Wilson's Disease Support Group - UK is an all-volunteer organisation which strives to promote the well-being of patients with Wilson's Disease and their families and friends through patient support, education and outreach.
www.wilsonsdisease.org.uk
Email: val@wilsonsdisease.org.uk
East Anglia
Addenbrookes Liver Transplant Association (ALTA)
Offers support and guidance on liver transplants.
Email: 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
essex.liversupport@ntlworld.com
Phone: 01799 501869
Email: deb.eady@ntlworld.com
Norfolk & Norwich Liver Support
Offering telephone support at present as there is currently no room in the hospital to hold the group.
Marjorie Dingle
Phone: 01362 695624
Email: marjorie.dingle@hotmail.com
London
Listen
Listen is a patient led group at King’s College Hospital, providing support and information to pre and post liver transplant patients, their family and friends. We work closely with professionals from the Liver Unit at King’s, running monthly virtual support group meetings via Zoom and one-to-one conversations, face to face or by phone, email, text or video call over Zoom.
Website: www.listenatkings.org
Email: info@listenatkings.org or paul.mckie@nhs.net
Midlands
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham Liver Unit Support Group
The group aims to provide support, education and encouragement to patients in addition to improving medical care. Regular meetings are held face to face and virtually.
Email: QEHBLiverUnitSupportGroup@uhb.nhs.uk
Phone: 0121 371 2627
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland & Wales Virtual Drop-In - monthly British Liver Trust Zoom session for those affected by liver disease (including family members and carers). People are welcome to join for all or part of the session.
Register to attend: https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/virtual-support-group-registration/
Northern Ireland Transplant Association
Information and support for Transplantees living in Northern Ireland.
www.nitransplant.org
07926 060491
Royal Victoria Hospital Liver Support
www.rvhliversupportgroup.org
rvhlsg@gmail.com
07737 718493
North East England
LIVErNORTH
National Liver patient support group and charity for all liver conditions based at the Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Joan Bedlington MBE and John Bedlington MBE
www.livernorth.org.uk
Phone: 0191 3702961
Email: info@livernorth.org.uk
North West England
Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre Haemochromatosis Support Group
Here to Support people affected by genetic haemochromatosis and their families, to “Raise Awareness among the medical profession, patients and general public, to improve the rates and ages of diagnosis.
www.haemochromatosisblackpool.org.uk
Phone: 01253 311060
Email: info@haemochromatosisblackpool.org.uk
R-Space Recovery Group Liverpool
R-Space aims to help people find recovery from addiction, mental health issues and social problems in Merseyside and the surrounding areas by providing regular meetings, activities and one to one support.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/R-Space
SOS Cancer Support
Meets on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 2-4pm 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.
www.sos-cancersupport.uk/
Email: ian@sos-cancersupport.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.
Peer support & management.Health & wellbeing,mental health difficulties
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
South West England
Bristol Liver Unit Support Group
A support group for people who have liver disease and their loved ones, who are involved with the Bristol Liver Unit at University Hospitals Bristol and Weston. We are holding virtual meetings over zoom approx. every 3 months, which includes a speaker and peer-led discussion.
Email: blusupport@uhbw.nhs.uk
Cornwall Liver Support – Liverish Allsorts
Our members have liver issues, or care for someone with them, and we share information and support through our Facebook page.
Carol Kavanagh
Email: carolkav55@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/559485634168975/
Exeter Liver Support
Our ‘closed’ Facebook group is for people with liver problems from any cause. It lists our meeting details, both in person and talking on Microsoft Teams, relevant information about liver disease and discussions between members. Our meetings include our fantastic Liver nurses and sometimes we have guest speakers, or a consultant may join us. All are welcome to contribute: patients, family, friends and medical staff. The group is based in Exeter, but anyone is welcome to join us.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/exeter.liversupport/
Plymouth Friends of Liver Lifeline
Email and telephone support. Based in Plymouth but happy to help anyone who needs support.
Phone: 01752 934942
Email: Sheilaconnolly111@gmail.com
Southwest Liver Buddies
An active liver patient support group working alongside the liver team at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, to help further develop the services offered by the Southwest Liver Unit (SWLU) across the region. The group exists to provide assistance and friendly encouragement alongside the medical care of NHS professionals. Members of the group are all volunteers and include patients diagnosed with liver conditions, those undergoing treatment, those waiting for a liver transplant and transplant recipients. They also welcome patients’ friends and family members who assist in their care.
Yorkshire and the Humber
St James’s (Leeds) Liver Transplant Support
Support group for people and their families who have received or are awaiting a liver transplant at St James's hospital, Leeds UK. We also try and support people and their families who are going through the assessment process for a liver transplant at St James Hospital, Leeds UK. Please use the Facebook page link below for current news and posts relevant to the group whilst the website is under construction.
www.stjamesltsg.org (Website is currently being updated 01/09/22)