A PEER SUPPORT GROUP BEHIND THE BOOK COVERS?
When I moved to Liverpool from the North East a key priority was to join a book group. I had been a member of the same book group in Middlesbrough for the last 19 years, joining a newly formed group that had its genesis in the school playground and mother and baby group. We were a loyal group of readers who weathered the storms of life together and saw two friends emigrate to Australia, with one return!
Replacing such valued social support was always going to be a tall order, and despite numerous forays I failed to find the book group of my dreams.
At the same time, plunging into general practice after a period as a portfolio academic GP revealed a new terrain. Understanding local care pathways and getting to know who …