Hi gypsymama, I think that, like other groups, it will depend much on the other people in your group. I belong to my local NAMI group and absolutely love it. There are a few members that I don't care much for, but for the most part feel well accepted and have made some very good friends. Our group is very active so there are other opportunities: art therapy, art activies, writing group, reading group, weekly social group, holiday celebrations, etc.
I hope that you find your groups to be as helpful as I have mine.
~lila