East Bay Chronic Pain & Illness Peer Support Group Meetup

About us: The Bay Area Chronic Pain & Illness Peer Support Group is a friendly, unstructured, in-person peer support group for anybody 18+ who lives with chronic pain, illness(es), invisible disabilities, or any type of mental health experiences. The group is a casual safe space to hang out, talk about our lives, share coping strategies, form friendships, create community, and get support.

The group is part of Better Because Collective, a mental health nonprofit that supports people as they navigate difficult life experiences. We also offer an online platform where people can share their stories of growth and healing. Our goal is simple: to offer connection, kindness, and hope.

Location: 2727 California Street, Berkeley, CA 94703

Look for a corner gallery in a residential neighborhood!

Accessibility Info:

• The meeting space is in a wheelchair accessible gallery.
• There are bathrooms accessible via ramp within the gallery.
• The lighting is relatively gentle, though of course feel free to bring hats, sunglasses to adjust!
• Seating provided by the gallery are wooden, foldout chairs. If a metal foldout chair would be preferable, let me know, and I'll try to procure some!
• Feel free to bring heating pads, yoga mats, cooling pads, to make yourself as comfortable as possible!

***Please refrain from wearing anything scented, including lotion, dry-cleaned clothes, etc. This is to ensure that the group is safe for people with chemical sensitivities.***

Scheduling Info: While this group runs every other week, there are a few dates when the space will not be available. Those dates are: 4/7, 5/5, 6/2, and 11/3! To play it safe, check on the meetup page to be sure that we are meeting!

COVID Safety:

• We are asking folks to mask!

If you have any questions about the event, feel free to email Anna at [herschlaga@gmail.com](mailto:herschlaga@gmail.com)