"online group discussions"

I was slightly nervous about joining a group where we were all remote (Covid19) and didn't know exactly what would happen. But the organizer of the group, Suzy, made us all feel relaxed and made it clear what we were there for and what the boundaries were.

I've joined the group every time since and have found it really helpful. There are people who are at various stages of recovery and all of them have said things which have helped me.

It's not a talking shop, or a mutual moan about alcohol. Suzy leads it in a really positive way, she intervenes when someone is saying something unhelpful or even potentially harmful.

On one occasion a person was in a very tricky situation and everyone was worried about her. Suzy muted made calls (I assume) to make sure that person was safe and without saying any details ressaured the group that help was coming. This was really reassuring, not just that help was coming but also that privacy and confidentiality was robust and respected.

Most weeks have a number people from before, and a new person or two. Everyone is honest and supportive. When someone has hard a tough time the others in the group give them a virtual hug - which they not getting anywhere else!

The structure of the meeting is to check in, then have a briefing from Suzy of a specific topic (such as physical effects or alcohol/ protection strategies) which are really helpful and clear. then a check out. the structure means that everyone knows where there are, but also allows fairly frequent interventions or additional questions. No-one gets to dominate the meeting and everyone has time to talk, if they want.

it's really positive session and has helped me considerably.