FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

I notice these groups are Christian=based. Is pressure put on course participants to become Christians, or to join Christian activities?   No, these are an inter-denominational Christian groups, not a cult, and the aim is to support people who are struggling with their lives, not to take advantage of their vulnerability. In one Breakthrough session, we talk about spirituality and how our own faith in particular has helped us but, as in all sessions, we encourage participants to take from it only what information they feel is helpful and relevant to them.

What about confidentiality?   Confidentiality is our highest priority iin dealing with your situation and on Breakthrough we expect the participants to treat it as seriously as we do - in fact they are asked to sign a slip agreeing to maintain confidentiality about their fellow-members at all times.

What is the age range of people attending Breakthrough?   Age actually doesn't matter and we do not ask, but we estimate that those attending are between 30 and 65 years of age; our oldest member (we think) admitted to being 83, our youngest probably 19.

Is it only women who attend Breakthrough?   No, Usually we get about half as many men as women. However, some courses have had equal numbers of men and women.
There isn't a group near where I live. Does this mean I cannot join a Breakthrough course?   We run weekend Breakthrough programmes specifically for people like you. Some are residential, allowing you to have a weekend break as well as gaining benefit from the course, and others are non-residential, giving you the option of either travelling each day or arranging your own B&B accommodation.
Are there fees to pay ?   The groups advertised in these pages are independent and therefore set fees at their own discretion. However, everyone involved in providing this support is aware that many people going through relationship breakdown is in straightened circumstance and any fees charged are kept to a minimum. For residential weekends, where costs tend to be higher to include food and accommodation,, installment payments are available.

Are my children allowed to go? May I bring a friend with me?   No, it is not appropriate for children to go with you. Children do benefit indirectly from the parent's attendance - if parents are learning how to cope with their situation and challenges, they are able to give more positive support to their children. Neither is it appropriate for a friend to accompany you unless the friend also qualifies as a member. Because of confidentiality and the nature of the sessions, we do not admit people as observers or non-participants to Breakthrough. Similarly, it would not be appropriate for separating husbands and wives (or ex-partners) to be on the same Breakthrough Course, although it is possible for them to attend a subsequent course or one at a different venue.

Are these counselling groups?   No, they are facilitated self-help groups. On Breakthrough, group co-ordinators introduce the topics, offer some suggestions on how to deal with the issues raised and encourage the group to discuss them. Much of the value comes from the mutual support and understanding that members share with one another, also from the course notes we provide. All Co-ordinators are trained and have been through, and recovered from, divorce or separation themselves.

Are you able to cater for the needs of people with disabilities?   Many of our branches have wheelchair access - please ask about your chosen venue. Breakthrough notes are available on audio tape for the visually impaired and it is sometimes possible for signers to attend with those that are hearing impaired.

Do I have to take part in all the discussions on Breakthrough?   No,you will not be pressurised to contribute, but you will bel gently encouraged, because the more you join in, the more you will gain from the course. As in any self-help group, you pick up information, support, help and useful tips from others, and you will also have similar things to share with them. The sessions are quite informal and handled in a friendly and relaxed way.

Can I join a Breatkhrough course after it has started?   No, a newcomer would break the feeling of confidentiality and disrupt the process of gelling within the group. It would also be a big disadvantage for the newcomer as, having missed the important first session, it would be much harder to form bonds with the others.
What about same-sex relationships? Are they treated differently?   The groups advertised on these pages are non-judgement and offer unconditional help to those struggling after the break-up of a relationship and who want to understand their situation, learn from it and grow personally from the experience. They offer the same to all members, no matter what their gender or lifestyle, and all are treated equally by co-ordinators and, from our experience, by the group members.
Click here to find out about a local group near you!