Adult sibling Facebook group
Are you an adult who has grown up with a disabled brother or sister? Would you like to chat with others who just ‘get’ what life as a sibling is like? You’re not alone. Join #Siblife, our private Facebook group run by Sibs trained volunteer administrators.
“Fabulous resource and source of support. Only wish I had known about Sibs a lot earlier” – Siblife member
Who can join #Siblife?
To join the group you need to:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Currently live in the UK
- Have (or had) a brother or sister who has a lifelong disability from birth*
- Enjoy chatting with others!
Some siblings who join the group are carers for their brother/sister, and many aren’t. Some siblings who join are bereaved. You are very welcome, whatever your circumstances or level of involvement (or not) with your brother/sister’s care.
*Types of lifelong disabilities from birth might include: spina bifida, cerebral palsy, mild/moderate/severe or profound and multiple learning disabilities. These can range from Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, Dravet syndrome, Apert syndrome, Syndromes Without A Name (SWAN), genetic disorders, Cri-du-chat syndrome, Fragile X syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC), to other life-limiting conditions and other lifelong physical or learning disabilities from birth.
“This group is a lifeline, I have always found support and advice at times of crisis or just when I need some reassurance from people who understand. It is one of the most helpful things I have discovered in life. Thank you!” – Siblife member
Why join #siblife?
Being a sibling can be a complex and challenging experience. Whilst we can’t remove all of the stressors in an adult sibling’s life, we can give siblings more resources to cope.
The aims of the group are to:
- Reduce isolation
- Improve wellbeing and resilience
- Share knowledge
We ask members and facilitators for regular feedback to make sure groups continue to meet siblings’ needs.
“I would just like to say thank you so much for running this Facebook group. I have amazing friends, but this group has made me feel far less isolated and supported in practical things as well as the emotional things we all go through as siblings.” – Siblife member
Who can't join?
#Siblife is just for adult siblings of someone with a lifelong disability from birth (see list above). If you’re a sibling of someone with a severe mental illness, have a look at Rethink Mental Illness – support for siblings.
A sibling-only environment helps siblings to feel comfortable sharing their experiences with others who truly understand. No parents, partners, brothers/sisters, researchers or professionals will be admitted.
Please note, you must currently live in the UK to join #Siblife or any of our other support groups, as we are not funded to support siblings outside of the UK. If you’re looking for an alternative Facebook group, try Sibnet which hosts siblings from the US and globally.
“I asked for advice regarding my disabled brother, after my mum passed & they were going to put him in a care home a long way for me. i was given great advice & helplines & managed to get him much nearer to me” – Siblife member
What can I expect from #Siblife?
- A friendly team of trained volunteer administrators
- A sibling-only environment that’s safe, confidential and respectful of each member’s different circumstances
- Chat about sibling-related topics (read more in our eBook and guides)
- To share your experiences, tips, advice and information as a sibling and hear the same from others
- To give and receive emotional support and practical tips
- The chance to help the group grow, by spreading the word and by welcoming new members
“It’s become the biggest comfort to me to know that I have a group of experienced people I can reach out to at any time for advice or support when I need it. Especially at times of crisis. It is such a safe and supportive place and I value it so much.” – Siblife member
What doesn't #Siblife include?
#Siblife is a friendly and informal peer group, where people give and receive emotional support.
- Administrators and other group members cannot offer you one-to-one support, formal therapy or counselling
- #Siblife does not provide mental health crisis support. If you are in mental health crisis, please contact your GP or NHS 111
If you:
- Have been through a recent trauma or personal crisis
- Are in the very raw stages of a traumatic bereavement
You may benefit more from counselling than from being part of this group, as other people’s posts may be triggering or difficult for you to be around. Read our advice on how to find a counsellor. Some siblings have counselling and are part of the group alongside this.
“Joining this FB group has made a huge difference in reminding me that there are other people who truly and genuinely just “understand and get it” when no one else knows what Sib life is really like! I wish I’d known about this group years ago!” – Siblife member
Who runs #Siblife?
#Siblife is run by our trained volunteer administrators, who are siblings themselves. They’re passionate about helping siblings to chat and support each other. Their role is to screen new members, moderate the conversation on the group and to help everyone in the group talk about sibling issues. The administrators are members of the group too, and they will give and receive peer support like anyone else.
I'd like to meet siblings outside of Facebook. Do you have other support groups?
Yes! We run groups across the UK that hold regular support group meetings over online video calls. Some also meet face-to-face. Find out more here.
Join #Siblife here!
Do you have any questions? We’d love to hear from you – email [email protected]
Ready to get started? You’ll be made very welcome!