Service overview
Our service is called the Service User Network, also known as SUN.
We can help if you’re having difficulties with emotions and personality disorders.
You might find that you struggle to manage your emotions such as feeling impulsive, which is affecting personal relationships for example.
We offer open peer support groups, where you can share your experiences and advice with others.
You don't need a diagnosis to attend our sessions. You can use our online form to register.
Our aim is to help you talk through your experiences, so that you can improve your quality of life and reduce the need for intervention from other services.
SUN Service Leaflet
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Accessing our service
You must be 18 years old or older.
Use our online form, or contact our team directly, to register your place with us.
You can also talk to us if you want to know more about SUN, or you need help using our online form.
A member of the team will be in touch via email to arrange your first group.
Across Berkshire
SUN service
Contact number: 0300 365 8000 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except Bank Holidays)
Email: SUNTeam@berkshire.nhs.uk
Peer group support
Our support groups give you a safe space to talk about your experiences and get support from other people who may be going through similar things.
The groups are led by mental health professionals and people who have their own experience of emotional and personality difficulties.
By joining a group, you can get support, learn new skills, and help others by sharing your experiences.
These groups are best for people who feel comfortable talking and taking part in a group setting.
Our groups can help you:
- learn ways to cope during difficult times
- meet and learn from people who have similar experiences or who are in similar situations
- providing a safe space to be heard and understood
- build problem-solving skills
- find out about other services and sources of support that may help you.
Our sessions last around 2 hours which includes regular breaks, and cover check In, open forum, and check out.
Both our online and face-to-face groups follow the same schedule.
Check-in (45 mins)
Every member must check in and share how they’re doing and what they’re looking to get from the session.
New members are welcomed, and the group assist them in completing their crisis and support plan (CASP).
This document is kept up to date and used to support members in times of struggle.
Break for 15 mins.
Open Forum (50 mins)
Members talk about topics brought up in check-in and offer support and advice to each other.
Break for 10 mins.
Check-out (30 mins)
Every member must check out with how they are feeling after the group.
A summary of the session is written down, including and any actions that need to be taken.
Sessions timetables
You can choose between online and face to face sessions when you register.
We may change locations and times so please contact us to find out more before you arrive.
Online
- Tuesday, 1.30pm to 4pm
- Thursday, 9.30am to 12pm
- Friday, 9.30am to 12pm
Bracknell, RG12
- Tuesday, 10am to 12.30pm
Reading (East), RG6
- Wednesday, 1.30pm to 4pm
Reading (South), RG2
- Friday, 12pm to 2.30pm
Slough, SL2
- Monday, 10am to 12.30pm
Managing your health
Join our Welcome Space
Join using Microsoft Teams video call
Repeating event
Our informal online drop-in is an opportunity for you to learn more about the SUN service, meet members of our team, and ask questions in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Welcome Space is open to:
- you if want to know more about SUN and join
- you if you're a current SUN member, and want to learn more about our service or offer support to those considering joining
- your carers and loved ones
We kindly ask that professionals contact us in advance if they would like to attend.
SUN Welcome Space
26th August
2pm to 3pm
SUN Welcome Space
30th September
2pm to 3pm
SUN Welcome Space
28th October
2pm to 3pm
Carer support
Carers’ Awareness Tools & Support (CATS) is a group programme.
Its aim is to increase knowledge of Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder/ Borderline Personality Disorder and improve communication between family members and the cared for person.
We work with carers as part of the triangle of care (which is a therapeutic alliance between the service user, our staff and the carer) to promote safety, support recovery, and sustain wellbeing.
Books
You can find more information about personality disorders in the following books, which you may be able to find in local libraries, or you can buy them online.
- Stop walking on Eggshells: Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder, by Kreger Randy and Paul Mason
- The Borderline Personality Disorder: Everything You Need to Know About Living with BPD, by Alex Chapman and Kim Gratz
- Overcoming Borderline Personality Disorder: A Family Guide for Healing and Change, by Valerie Porr
- Oprah Winfrey and Dr Bruce Perry (2022). What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
- Rachel Reiland (2018). Get Me Out Of Here: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder
- Marsha Linehan (2020). Building a Life Worth Living: A Memoir
- Bessel Van Der Kolk (2015). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Your e-Health Passport
Your e-Health Passport lets us know what's important to you - from your preferred name and pronouns to how you'd like us to support you and communicate with you.
Learn moreContact us and FAQs
Can I use this service more than once?
Yes, you can use this service as many times as is needed.
Do you prescribe medication as part of treatment?
No, we do not prescribe medication.
Do I need to show evidence of my difficulties with emotions or personality disorder?
[PENDING ANSWER]
Do you offer advice for young people under age 18?
Unfortunately we do not offer this service to those under the age of 18.
We can also help you with
Is there any information for friends, family and carers?
If you’re a family member, carer, or you look after someone, there’s practical, financial, and emotional support available from a range of local communities and national organisations.
How do I request an interpreter?
We can provide language translation and interpretation support.
Tell our staff which language you prefer to use, and we will make sure the right communication support is in place for your assessment and treatment. Please let us know as early as possible so we can ensure the appropriate translation or interpreting support is available.
We offer a range of professional services to ensure everyone can understand and be understood:
- Telephone interpreting
- Video remote interpreting (VRI)
- Face‑to‑face interpreting
- Written translation
- British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting
How can I get information in an accessible format?
Anyone with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss has the right to get information in a format that meets their needs.
The Accessible Information Standard (AIS) is a legal requirement for all health and adult social care providers. This means making sure that people who use our services, including carers and families, can understand our information and communicate with us easily.
We can offer information in a range of accessible formats, including:
- British Sign Language (BSL)
- Large print
- Braille
- Audio
- Easy read
- Text message
- Face‑to‑face support with a carer or advocate present
If you need information in any of these formats, please tell a member of our team and we will make sure your communication needs are met.
Are service dogs allowed to my appointment?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your registered service animal, such as a guide dog, hearing dog, medical alert dog, or other trained assistance dog to your appointment.
These animals are recognised as essential support and are permitted in most areas of our services.
To help us prepare, please let the team know before your appointment if you will be attending with a service animal. This allows us to make sure the environment is safe and comfortable for you, your animal, and other patients.
Please note that service animals may not be able to enter certain restricted clinical areas for safety or infection‑control reasons, but we will always work with you to find an appropriate alternative.
What does it mean to treat our team with respect?
Respect is important.
We will be polite and kind and we expect that you treat our staff in the same way.
Abuse, hate and discrimination against our staff is unacceptable.
We will take strong action against anyone who is verbally, racially, physically, or sexually abusive to them.
This may include contacting the police to prosecute, and stopping future access to our healthcare services.
How do I find my NHS number?
The easiest way to find your NHS number is using the official NHS online service which can be accessed below.
You may also want to read our guidance page for more information about other ways to find your NHS number or what to do if you cannot find yours.
iWantGreatCare
Did you get great care? Having your say helps care for everyone, so please give us your feedback
Share your feedback: Have your sayRelated services
We have other services which specialise in understanding and managing personality disorders.
Our PICT team offer training to health teams supporting those with challenging mental health situations.
Intensive Management of Personality Disorder and Clinical Therapies Team
Help to understand complex emotional needs and relationship issues linked to personality disorders.
Intensive Management of Personality Disorder and Clinical Therapies Team: Go to servicePsychologically Informed Consultation and Training Team
Skills development for professionals, such as GPs and social workers, working with complex emotional needs and personality disorders (PICT).
Psychologically Informed Consultation and Training Team: Go to serviceAssertive Intervention and Stabilisation Team
Short-term interventions for people with a personality disorder or significant difficulties managing emotions. Also known as ASSIST.
Assertive Intervention and Stabilisation Team: Go to serviceExternal support
Breathing Space (Berkshire West)
The Berkshire West Breathing Space service is a safe, welcoming and supportive space for anybody aged over 18 experiencing emotional distress and struggling to cope.
Safe Haven (East Berkshire)
Safe Haven service is a safe, welcoming and supportive space for anybody aged over 18 experiencing emotional distress and struggling to cope.
Mind
Mind work to create a mentally healthy society by providing information, support, and campaigns to tackle mental health stigma and improve access to mental health services in England and Wales
Samaritans
Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection. Connecting people in crisis with trained volunteers who will always listen.