Finding strength together: Our first peer support session
- HBA Support
- Sep 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 1
Last week we were pleased to open our doors for the very first Brain Aneurysm Friends Peer Support Group.
Ten people signed up, and five joined us live online. For just over an hour, we came together to talk openly about what it means to live with an unruptured brain aneurysm.
The atmosphere was warm and supportive right from the start. People shared their personal stories, asked questions they hadn’t felt able to raise elsewhere, and offered each other advice from their own lived experience. There was honesty, compassion, and moments of real reassurance in hearing others say, “I’ve been through that too.”
The group was gently guided by Michaela Curran-Cox, a Specialist Support & Information Nurse, from the Brain & Spine Foundation, alongside Rebecca Middleton, who is both founder of HBA Support and a patient herself. Their role was to help create a safe and confidential environment – but the real energy came from the peer-to-peer conversations. People talked about how they manage day-to-day worries, questions, and challenges about screening, and how to prepare for appointments and treatments.
Launching this group during Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month gave extra meaning to the moment. Awareness campaigns are important, but it is connection that makes a difference to daily life. Our first session showed the value of having a safe space where people can talk, share, and simply be understood.
This was only the first step. We’ll take on board feedback and we hope to explore more sessions, covering different themes and experiences – including life after a brain aneurysm rupture. Our aim is to build a community that grows stronger with every meeting, where people affected by brain aneurysms can support each other and know they’re not alone.
We’re grateful to everyone who joined this first session and helped create such a positive, encouraging atmosphere. And we look forward to welcoming more people next time.
If you are living with a brain aneurysm, or know someone who is, please sign up to our newsletter to hear more about the next session.
Our thanks to the Brain & Spine Foundation for their support and expert guidance, they have kindly put together a short presentation on what they do and how they can support you. To access its Neuro Nurse helpline and get access to more one-on-one support, answers to questions related to clinical, practical, or help with the emotional aspects your condition, call 0808 808 1000.
You can find free patient guides and resources on our website and from the Brain and Spine Foundations here: www.brainandspine.org.uk.
Resources and support
Visit our support page for free resources and patient stories from our community.
