Free Chronic Pain & Illness Peer Group — SF/Berkeley | BBC

The Bay Area Chronic Pain & Illness Peer Support Group is a friendly, unstructured, in-person peer support group for anyone 18 and older living with chronic pain, illness, invisible disabilities, or mental health experiences. It is a program of Better Because Collective, a Bay Area mental health nonprofit that supports people navigating difficult life experiences. The group offers a casual, welcoming space to connect, share coping strategies, make friends, and build community.

What to Expect

Meetings are relaxed and member-driven — people gather in a circle to talk about their lives, trade practical coping tips, and support one another. There are two chapters: a San Francisco group that meets in an accessible residential garage on Iris Avenue, and an East Bay group that meets in an accessible gallery space in Berkeley. Both spaces are wheelchair accessible and scent-free to accommodate chemical sensitivities.

Who This Group Is For

The group welcomes adults 18+ who live with chronic pain, chronic illness, invisible disabilities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, migraine, anxiety, or related experiences. No diagnosis is required — anyone navigating these challenges is welcome.

Why Peer Support Works

Chronic pain and invisible illness often go unseen by others, which can be deeply isolating. Sitting with people who genuinely understand offers validation, reduces loneliness, and creates space to share hard-won strategies for living well.

How to Join

Meetings are free and held roughly every other week. Just show up, or check the group’s Meetup page for the current schedule and locations. Questions can go to rebecca@betterbecausecollective.org (San Francisco).