Free, online, every Monday at 8pm. No waiting lists, no pressure.
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1 in 8
people in the UK will experience social anxiety at some point
Free
always, for anyone in the UK - no referral, no waiting list, no catch
20%
average reduction in symptoms after 10+ sessions, based on member data
Brighton
If you're looking for a social anxiety support group in Brighton, there are free options open to you right now. You can refer yourself to NHS talking therapies through the Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service, get advice from Mind in Brighton and Hove, or join WalkTheTalk's free online peer group. It meets every Monday at 8pm and includes people from Brighton.
Brighton has a reputation for being sociable and easy-going, which can make social anxiety feel lonelier. The city skews young. 24% of residents are aged 19 to 31, against 17% across England, and the University of Sussex and University of Brighton had 35,885 students between them in 2023/24. That means a lot of flat shares, freshers' nights and plans to meet in North Laine pubs that everyone else seems to find effortless. Some of the city's neighbourhoods are among the most densely populated in England, especially around Western Road, so even popping out to the shop can feel like a lot.
If that sounds familiar, you're not the only one. Good anxiety support in Brighton does exist, and getting social anxiety help here starts with one small step.
Confidence is a muscle. WalkTheTalk is about giving you an easy, low-stakes way to train yours. Every Monday at 8pm
Join a Monday session →
HOW IT WORKS
Small steps. Real people. No pressure.
Every Monday at 8pm, you join a small group online. Here’s what happens.
8:00 - 8:10
Check in honestly
Everyone shares briefly how the week's gone. There's no pressure to say more than you want to, especially the first time.
8:10 - 8:40
Share a win and a struggle
This is where the real conversation happens - sharing what's on your mind with people who understand without needing an explanation.
8:40 - 8:50
Leave with one thing to try
Pick one small thing to practice before next Monday - a concrete action. If time, we try social anxiety icebreakers to keep the conversation going.
Brighton
Social anxiety therapy and support in Brighton - NHS and local services
Alongside WalkTheTalk, these services are available nearby. These are signposts, not endorsements. Always verify details before visiting.
NHS Talking Therapies - Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service
A free, confidential NHS service for adults with a BN1, BN2, BN3 or BN41 postcode. You can refer yourself online at any hour if you live in Brighton and Hove or have a GP there, or ring 0300 002 0060 on weekdays, 8am-6pm.
Mind in Brighton and Hove
The city's local Mind runs an advice and information service that explains how mental health services in Brighton and Hove work, with a directory of local groups. You can call them on 01273 666950.
UOK Brighton & Hove
A partnership of community services offering free support to adults, including one-to-one help, peer support groups and social activities. It also runs Qwell, a free and anonymous online chat service with trained practitioners that needs no referral.
Anxiety UK
A national charity run by and for people with experience of anxiety. You can call 03444 775 774, book a chat with a peer supporter, or look at their support groups and therapy from £20 a session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find a social anxiety group in Brighton?
You can join WalkTheTalk, a free online social anxiety peer support group that meets every Monday at 8pm and already has members from Brighton. It's one UK-wide group on video call, in small breakout rooms, rather than a Brighton-only session. If you'd also like something face to face, UOK Brighton & Hove offers local peer support groups.
Can I self-refer for CBT in Brighton?
Yes. Adults who live in Brighton and Hove, or are registered with a GP there, can refer themselves to the Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service, the city's NHS talking therapies service. You don't need to see your GP first. Fill in the online form at any time, or call 0300 002 0060 on weekdays. Start at brightonandhovewellbeing.org/referrals.
How much does social anxiety peer support cost?
WalkTheTalk's peer support is completely free. You don't need a referral or a diagnosis, and there's no waiting list. You just sign up and join the next Monday session at 8pm. Some organisations charge for parts of what they offer, such as Anxiety UK's membership and therapy, so it's worth checking before you commit to anything.
What is an online social anxiety group actually like?
It's usually quieter and gentler than people expect. At WalkTheTalk you start with a short check-in, then move into a breakout room of 5-6 people to talk about your week: what went well, what felt hard and what's coming up. You finish with one small thing to try. Sharing is optional, so you can just listen at first.
Can peer support help with social anxiety?
Yes, it can, though it isn't therapy. Peer support gives you a regular, low-stakes place to practise talking with people who understand what social anxiety feels like. It works alongside NHS therapy or CBT rather than replacing it. Some people use it to keep practising after a course of CBT ends, others while they're on a waiting list.
Are there in-person social anxiety events in Brighton?
Not from WalkTheTalk yet. Right now we run one online group, and our Brighton members join from home. We're investing in local connection, including community socials, meetups and eventually city-based groups, but we haven't set any dates for Brighton. In the meantime, UOK Brighton & Hove runs social and community activities you could try between Monday sessions.