Belong is the mental health support group you didn’t know you needed until you found it. It’s an open door to being real, raw, and unfiltered. It’s simply a group of humans coming together to talk about everything-from everyday stress to the heavier stuff-offering lived perspectives and group support. We hold space for the unspoken, the messy, the beautifully chaotic, and sometimes heavy. Through guided discussions, creative activities, and shared experiences, we aim to make every member’s journey a little lighter and more supported.

Belong isn’t just an organization; it’s my heart on a platter. After cofounding another support group and witnessing lives transform in those spaces for over four years, I realized this work is too important to leave behind. When that chapter closed, I carried with me the lessons, the stories, and the quiet power of human connection, determined to build something even more meaningful and lasting.

Belong is our way of saying no one should have to navigate life’s messiness alone. Imagine a space where a stranger’s smile feels like a warm hug or a simple nod says, “I get it.” That’s what we create-places where the weight of the world feels a little lighter because someone truly cares.

Hundreds of people have walked into our support groups, each bringing their own journey of grief, pain, growth, hope, and everything in between. After over four years of facilitating these groups, listening, and learning, I’ve discovered something powerful: behind every face is a story, and within every story is a person who deserves kindness, connection, and understanding.

Belong isn’t just about support-it’s about people. It’s about you, me, and anyone who’s ever felt unseen or misunderstood. This is where we rewrite that narrative, together.

Belong was founded just three months ago, and in that time, we’ve hosted over 20 inperson support group sessions, launched impactful campaigns, and even been featured in LBB. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re grateful for the community that has come together through our sessions. Looking ahead, we aim to expand Belong’s reach even further, fostering conversations and mutual support in a culture that often sidelines vulnerability. We’re committed to making support groups a vital part of India’s mental health landscape.

Belong is for anyone and everyone. In a world that can sometimes feel challenging, frightening, overwhelming, confusing, and, at times, makes little sense, it’s no surprise that we don’t always feel okay. Whether you’re juggling everyday stress, facing deeper emotional struggles, navigating major life changes, or mental health challenges or simply seeking a non-judgmental space to talk, we’ve got your back! You’ll find your tribe-a community of folks who may share similar journeys and offer their firsthand perspectives. We provide a unique form of support-not as a replacement for, but as a complement to, other mental health services.

We use activity-based modules to make each session engaging, meaningful, and tailored to individual comfort. Whether through storytelling, journaling, music, art, movement, or even nature walks, members are encouraged to express themselves in ways that feel most natural and comfortable to them. We believe mental health is deeply personal, so our sessions are designed to meet people where they are, fostering connection and shared understanding.

Expect group hugs, cheers, cool postcards, and plenty of heartwarming moments throughout each session. Our unique approach combines creativity, connection, and camaraderie, creating an experience that’s supportive, fun, and deeply impactful.

At Belong, we recognize the critical role of professional mental health care. While we offer resources and supportive strategies as a first step, we also have a network of trusted professionals to whom we refer members for specialized support, including therapy, counseling, or psychiatric care. Our trained group facilitators are present during sessions to handle any immediate emotional distress, offering basic support and ensuring member safety. If needed, they can recommend further professional help for more comprehensive care.

Our approach is holistic-combining the power of community support with access to professional care when necessary.

We are not solely equipped to handle severe mental health emergencies. For such situations, we encourage individuals to seek immediate professional support. While we can offer basic guidance and resources, it’s crucial to connect with the right mental health professionals who can provide the necessary care and intervention.

Signing up for belong is simple, personal, and seamless: Complete the Google Form: Start by filling out a quick form with your details and preferences. Personalized Support: Our team will personally reach out to address any questions or concerns you may have, ensuring you feel supported from the start. Payment Details: We’ll share the session fee and payment options with you. Session Invite: Once your payment is received, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all the session details and your invite. We’re here every step of the way, making sure your journey to belong feels welcoming and effortless!

How we work: Wherever you’re at, however you’re feeling - we’ve got you. Not just when things get overwhelming, but as a place to come before they do. We all face struggles-work stress, relationship issues, career uncertainties, or feeling emotionally drained. It’s tough not knowing where or with whom to share these feelings, and it can leave us feeling isolated. Imagine finding a safe, non-judgmental space where you can talk about your challenges with people who get it and share similar experiences. Our weekly meetings offer just that. It’s you safe space to meet, connect, share and hear others as well. Whether you join our main weekend group with a mix of themes or select a specific subgroup that speaks to your heart you’ll find your tribe. It’s normal to feel nervous at first. But soon, you’ll see others opening up, and you’ll start feeling comfortable. We sit in a circle, introduce an activity, and take turns sharing or passing if not ready. We speak from the heart about our current feelings, what’s been on our minds, and what makes us feel alive. Everyone listens with empathy, without judgment or interruption. By the end, you’ll share in laughter and takeaways, a cherished Belong tradition. Come join us. We’ll make sure that you feel validated, accepted, respected, and relatively comfortable.

Confidentiality: What’s shared in the group stays in the group. Respect: Treat everyone with kindness, empathy, and avoid judgment. Active Listening: Allow others to speak without interruptions. No Advice-Giving: Share experiences, not advice. Offer suggestions only if the other person is open to it. Use “I” Statements: Speak from your perspective (e.g., “I feel…”). Time Sharing: Ensure everyone has a chance to contribute. No Discrimination: Foster an inclusive and safe environment. Give Trigger Warnings: Be mindful of and flag potentially sensitive topics.

After each session, we hope members walk away with: Resources: Supportive strategies or self-care tips that they can apply in their daily lives. A Sense of Belonging: The reassurance that they are not alone in their struggles, and that there is a supportive community to lean on. Emotional Relief: A sense of having been heard, validated, and understood in a safe space. Clarity and Insights: New perspectives on their challenges, gained through shared experiences and facilitated discussions. Creative Expression: A newfound outlet for self-expression, whether through journaling, art, or movement.