Loss
Making room for what grief asks of us, at our own pace.
Peer support · Community · Kintsugi Club
Conversationsfor Life
Growing Past Pain creates safe spaces for honest conversations, shared experiences and meaningful connection — helping people navigate life’s transitions and discover what comes next.
Our Purpose
You don't have to navigate life's changes alone.
We bring people together to talk openly about the things that are hard to say out loud — and to find, in each other, a way forward.
Trauma
Talking honestly about hard experiences, without being defined by them.
Major Life Changes
Redundancy, separation, illness, moving on — and what comes after.
Relationships
Repairing, releasing and rebuilding the connections that shape us.
Identity
Working out who you are when the old story no longer fits.
Setbacks
Meeting failure with perspective rather than shame.
Starting Again
Small, practical first steps towards a different chapter.
Personal Growth
Confidence rebuilt slowly, through conversation and company.
How It Works
Four simple steps, at your own pace.
Come As You Are
A safe, welcoming environment where people can show up without judgement.
Find out moreShare Your Story
Conversations shaped by real-life experiences and honest conversations.
Find out moreListen & Connect
Discover that you are not alone and build meaningful connections.
Find out moreFind Your Next Step
Take away practical perspectives, encouragement and tools for navigating change.
Find out moreAnnual Membership
Kintsugi Club
Because what has been broken can still become beautiful.
Kintsugi Club is our annual membership community. Members join a year of gatherings, small conversation circles and practical support alongside people who understand what it is to begin again.
Community Events
Seasonal gatherings, walks and shared meals across the year.
Member Conversations
Small, facilitated circles held monthly, online and in person.
Peer Support
People with lived experience, alongside you rather than above you.
Special Gatherings
Members-only evenings, workshops and quiet retreat days.
Meaningful Connections
A directory of members and interest groups to keep in touch.
Practical Perspectives
Tools, reading and conversation prompts for difficult seasons.
Annual Membership
£48per year
Full access to events, member conversations and special gatherings. Concessions available — just ask.
Become a MemberThe Case for Peer Support
Research into peer-support models indicates the potential for meaningful improvements in confidence, control and wellbeing.
0%
Feel more in control of their lives.
0%
Report improved mental wellbeing.
“I came for one Sunday afternoon. I stayed because, for the first time in two years, nobody tried to fix me.”
Note: these figures reflect published research into peer-support models generally. They are not presented as verified outcomes achieved by Growing Past Pain.
Important
Peer support, not therapy.
Growing Past Pain is not a therapy service. We create community spaces where people with lived experience can connect, share perspectives and support one another.
Peer support does not replace professional medical, psychological or therapeutic care. If you need urgent help, please contact your GP or call the Samaritans free on 116 123.
What's On
Upcoming conversations and gatherings
Peer CircleSunday 13 September 2026
Sunday Conversations: Starting Again
An open afternoon circle for anyone facing a new chapter — a change of work, home, health or relationship.
- Time
- 14:00 – 16:00
- Where
- The Old Chapel, Manchester
Drop-InThursday 24 September 2026
Tea & Talk: A Gentle Drop-In
No agenda, no pressure. Come for a cup of tea, stay for a conversation, leave whenever you need to.
- Time
- 10:30 – 12:00
- Where
- Riverside Community Room, Salford
Members OnlySaturday 10 October 2026
Kintsugi Club Autumn Gathering
Our members' evening: food, live music and space to meet the people behind the conversations.
- Time
- 18:00 – 21:00
- Where
- Whitworth Hall, Manchester
Stories
Stories that move us forward
Real accounts from people in our community, shared in their own words.
Starting Again
The year I stopped pretending I was fine
After my marriage ended I got very good at saying I was okay. It took one Sunday afternoon, and one person asking twice, for that to change.
Amara O. · 6 min read
Read Story
Grief & Loss
Walking through grief, one mile at a time
I couldn't sit still in a room and talk about my brother. So we walked instead, and somehow the words arrived.
Daniel R. · 5 min read
Read Story
Finding Confidence
Finding my voice again at sixty-eight
I thought community was for younger people. Two years on, I host the Thursday drop-in and I have never felt more useful.
Margaret H. · 7 min read
Read StoryGet Involved