Online Communities & Support Groups (Worldwide)
Online communities can make support feel more reachable, flexible, and less overwhelming. This page is here to help you explore safer online spaces for connection, peer support, shared experience, and mental health or neurodivergent community support from anywhere in the world.
Gentle notice
Some people find online spaces easier than face-to-face support, while others may need time to find the right fit. You are allowed to explore slowly and choose the type of connection that feels safest for you.
Online safety reminder
Not all online communities are equally safe or well moderated. This page includes guidance to help you look for respectful, healthier spaces and avoid communities that may feel harmful or overwhelming.
Not for urgent crisis help
Online communities can offer support and belonging, but they are not a substitute for emergency or crisis care. If you need immediate help, please use your crisis support or emergency directory first.
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Where to start with online support
Online support can mean different things to different people. Some communities are built for gentle reading and shared understanding. Others are more interactive, fast-moving, or based around real-time chat. Start with the option that feels most comfortable for you.
I want a quieter space
Try slower-paced spaces like forums, moderated discussion boards, or communities where you can read first before choosing whether to join in.
- Good for lower-pressure support
- Helpful if live chat feels too intense
- Useful for learning from older posts and shared experiences
I want more active connection
Real-time communities such as chat groups or moderated servers can offer a stronger sense of connection and ongoing community support.
- More interactive and responsive
- Can feel more social and immediate
- Works well for people who like community discussion
I want something lower pressure
Some people feel safer starting in anonymous or semi-private spaces where they can explore support without sharing too much straight away.
- Helpful for privacy and boundaries
- Useful for easing into support
- Can reduce overwhelm when starting out
Types of online communities
Online support can show up in different formats. Some groups are community-led, while others are supported by charities, organisations, moderators, or professionals.
Facebook groups
Facebook groups are often used for support circles, shared lived experience, condition-specific communities, parent groups, and local or worldwide peer support spaces.
Related peer groups →Discord communities
Discord can work well for neurodivergent, youth, or topic-based communities that want more flexible real-time chat, different discussion channels, and lower-pressure connection.
Youth & teen support →Forums & discussion boards
Forums are often a better fit if you want to read first, respond more slowly, and find archived discussions on shared experiences and practical support.
Explore support →Support apps & digital communities
Some apps offer guided community spaces, structured mental health support, group prompts, or digital peer connection around specific needs.
Apps & digital tools →Moderated support spaces
Groups connected to charities, nonprofits, or support organisations may offer stronger moderation, clearer rules, and more structured support pathways.
Support directories →Community-led peer spaces
These communities are often built by people with lived experience who want connection, shared understanding, practical tips, and ongoing support.
Peer & community groups →Browse online communities by topic
If you already know what kind of support area you are looking for, start here. These pathways can help you move toward communities that better reflect your experience.
Mental health support
Online support for anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, low mood, emotional wellbeing, and broader mental health community spaces.
Autism communities
Explore online autism communities, parent support spaces, autistic-led groups, and autism-friendly connection points.
ADHD communities
Find ADHD-focused communities, shared strategy spaces, and online support groups that understand attention, overwhelm, energy, and everyday support needs.
Learning disabilities support
Connect with education-focused communities, parent groups, practical learning support spaces, and shared LD support networks.
Hidden disabilities support
Find support spaces for hidden disabilities, unseen conditions, chronic health challenges, and everyday lived experiences.
Identity & inclusion support
Some people feel safer in online spaces shaped by identity, culture, belonging, faith, gender, or lived experience. These communities can offer more specific understanding.
Popular online support platforms
Support communities can be found across many platforms. Each one feels slightly different, so it can help to choose a space that matches your comfort level.
Large support groups, private spaces, parent communities, regional groups, and broader shared-experience support.
Discord
Live conversation, topic channels, community chat, and more flexible support spaces for ongoing interaction.
Forums
Slower-paced posting, searchable discussions, and easier reading if real-time chat feels too much.
Apps & digital spaces
Support-oriented apps and guided digital communities designed to make online support feel more accessible.
Stay safer in online support spaces
Online communities can be incredibly helpful, but it is important to protect your privacy, pace yourself, and choose communities that feel respectful and well managed.
Signs of a healthier support space
- Clear community rules and visible moderation
- Respectful conversation and boundary awareness
- Supportive tone without pressure to overshare
- Welcoming of different identities and experiences
- Encouragement to use professional help when needed
Things to be careful with
- Pressure to disclose personal details too quickly
- Bullying, shaming, or invalidating behaviour
- Harmful advice or misinformation presented as fact
- No moderation or repeated unsafe interactions
- People trying to exploit vulnerability or crisis
Need a different kind of support?
Online communities can be a good starting point, but they are not the only option. If you want more direct connection, try peer groups, local support, or practical help pathways next.