Cactus Counselling

The Cactus Childfree Discussion Group

Welcome to the information page for the Cactus Childfree Discussion Group, as mentioned in:

What is the Cactus Childfree Discussion Group?

This is a discussion group specifically designed to offer a space in which to explore your feelings around childlessness and childfreedom. It doesn't matter whether you're childless and are exploring what it might mean to embrace a life without children, on the fence, or happily childfree, the group is for all non-parents!

This group falls somewhere between a therapeutic group and a social group: it's meant for more sensitive or sincere discussion than a social group that might meet in pubs or bars, but it's not strictly speaking therapy. I facilitate the group and maintain a safe, boundaried environment for you to discuss anything related to childfreedom. I will offer prompts or do a brief presentation to help get the conversation started.

This group differs from other Bristol-based childfree groups in that it's mixed: many other groups are women-only. Mine is open to men - and is trans-inclusive.

There is no cost to join; it's free, and runs for 1 hour.

If you'd like to know a bit more about me and why I run this group, feel free to read more about my own history and feelings around children and childfreedom here.

When, Where, and Other Details

The group happens on Zoom. I'm experimenting with different dates and times for the group; the upcoming groups are:

• Wednesday 12th November @ 6pm: Workshop - Building A Happy Childfree Life
• Wednesday 19th November @ 6pm: Workshop - International Mens' Day Special!
• Wednesday 3rd December @ 7pm: Discussion session
• Wednesday 7th January @ 7pm: Discussion session
• Tuesday 20th January @ 7pm: Discussion session
• Tuesday 3rd February @ 7pm: Discussion session
• Wednesday 4th February @ 7pm: Discussion session

Then I'll break for Christmas, and resume in January 2026. From then, I'll run the group on the first Wednesday of every month at 7pm, with the occasional Tuesday included.

If you'd like to join, please email me and ask to be added to the group's distribution list. I'll send the Zoom invitation for the group on the morning of the session.

Alternatively, feel free to join via Meetup.

Future Plans

Women-only Groups

I advertise on Bristol Womens' Voice, so if you've come from there, please let me know, as I aim to run a women-only group in the future alongside the mixed groups. They will be trans-inclusive.

Grandchildfreedom

If you're:

1. a parent of at least one adult child, and
2. that child is childfree, and
3. you would prefer not to have grandchildren

then please get in touch! This could be a very niche group, but if there are enough of you out there then I'd love to start a group for people who are happily grandchildfree.