ONLINE PEER FORUMS
Learning From Those Who've Been There.
Learning From Those Who've Been There.
Life with OOKP — whether you're a patient, family member, carer, or friend — can bring moments when you need connection with people who truly understand. Our Online Peer Forums are designed just for that: a gentle, respectful, and safe way to connect with others who share similar experiences — from the comfort of your own space.
These peer forums meet virtually, using platforms such as WhatsApp groups and Meet (Google Meet) video sessions, allowing members to participate in ways that suit them best — whether through text chat, voice, or face-to-face talking.
An online peer forum is a virtual community, conducted via a phone, tablet or computer, where people come together to:
share lived experiences
offer empathetic listening
ask and answer questions
exchange ideas and practical insights
feel understood and connected
You must understand, this kind of peer connection is not medical advice — it’s lived experience helping lived experience. Our online forums create an environment where participants can communicate openly and support one another, building emotional strength and shared insight.
Being part of an online forum can help in many ways. Here's just some of the reasons we include such services in our support to members:
You don’t need to travel or attend in person — just join via your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This makes forums accessible even if you live far from support centres, have mobility concerns, or prefer support from home.
Connecting with others who really get it helps reduce feelings of isolation and builds emotional resilience. Many participants find comfort knowing their experiences are shared and acknowledged and they can obtain answers specific to their situation.
Forums are spaces created by people with lived experience — safe from judgement — where you can speak, listen, reflect, and build relationships with people who really understand.
Some days you may want to speak; other days you may simply listen and absorb what others share. Both are welcomed in our forums. You choose, we provide.
To ensure we allow access to our forums, for as many members as possible, we offer two main ways to participate. These are:
Small-group text chats, where members can share at their own pace
Easy to join and access from mobile devices
Members can ask questions, offer support, and share updates
Please note: WhatsApp groups share contact numbers with participants. We always ask for consent before including you in a group, and you can leave at any time.
Live video sessions via Google Meet
A chance to see and talk with other members in real time
Respectful, moderated discussions with a clear structure
Live forums are scheduled regularly and led in a way that encourages everyone to feel comfortable sharing or listening.
You don’t need special software knowledge — just a link and a device with internet access. If you're new to this type of thing, don't worry, we'll send you a list of instructions before you attend, making it easy to access the forums.
We believe these forums are a vital link to learning, therefore we invite anyone directly affected by OOKP — including:
Patients
Family members and carers
Friends supporting someone with OOKP
People who want to share lived experience and support others
Everyone is welcomed with our warmth and all we ask is that participants show respect and kindness to those involved and those attending.
We strive to ensure our forum sessions are friendly and supportive. Some subjects and topics which may be included are:
Discussing experiences and emotions
Sharing questions and answers
Offering practical strategies that helped others
Talking about everyday challenges (e.g., appointments, routines, social situations)
Building connections and mutual encouragement
Within each forum you choose to attend, you're free to engage however you feel comfortable — you may talk, listen, or stay for as long as you like. All we ask is that you follow the guidelines covered below, so all experiences are positive.
Joining is simple. As with many of our services, begin by completing the registration form below, then either include it in the body of your message or as an attachment, and send to our email address.
📧 Email: ourookpservice@gmail.com
Subject Line: Online Forum
In your message, please include:
Your name
Whether you want to join a WhatsApp text group or a Meet video forum
Any days/times that suit you
Any specific topics you’d like to talk about
We aim to reply within 2–3 working days with the next available forum links and joining details.
In order to make our forum spaces comfortable and respectful for everyone, we ask participants to:
Encourage kindness and empathy in all interactions
Respect what is shared in the forum stays confidential within the group
Understand, participation is optional — you choose to either speak or listen
Work; at all times; to make forums inclusive and supportive
Online sharing communities like this are most effective when everyone feels safe to speak and to listen. If at any time a forum doesn’t feel right for you, you are free to step back or seek support in a different way.
Online peer forums let you connect with people who understand the emotional challenges, questions, and everyday experiences connected with life and recovery from OOKP.
This community exists so you don’t have to navigate your feelings or questions alone. Remember, support is just a message or a click away.
💙 Together we share, learn, support, and grow — one conversation at a time.
📩 Please complete this short form, then email it to us, to join our Online Peer Forums via WhatsApp or Meet.
Full Name:
Preferred Email Address:
Phone Number (optional):
(Tick one or describe your role)
☐ OOKP patient
☐ Family member / loved one
☐ Carer / support person
☐ Friend
☐ Other: (Please explain)
☐ WhatsApp Peer Forum – Text-based group chat
☐ Meet Video Forum – Online group video conversations
☐ Both
Note: You will receive the joining link once your registration is processed.
(e.g., weekday mornings, weekday evenings, weekends)
(For example: shared experiences, emotional support, practical insights, feeling understood)
(Optional — e.g., recovery experiences, coping after surgery, daily living support)
(e.g., help with WhatsApp setup, need support joining Meet sessions)
(Optional — it could help us support you better.)
We’ll review your responses and send you details for joining your chosen forum within 2–3 working days.
💙 Peer forums help people connect, share, and support one another online — at your pace and in your way. We’re here to make it welcoming, safe, and encouraging for everyone who joins.