There are support groups for any malady you can think of, but, oddly, beyond the usual 12 step programmes, there are few English-language resources. BIG is a support group and service for abused women and has plenty of information in English (www.big-hotline.de). Gay men looking for help for any type of problem should check in with Schwulen Beratung Berlin (www.schwulenberatungberlin.de). You can also hunt for support groups by district at www.sekis-berlin.de. Even though the website has an English option, the groups are all in German.

Then there’s the old standby for expats: the American Women’s Club. The website Toytowngermany (www.toytowngermany.com) also has a helpful forum for those looking for group companionship (not dates) – look under ‘meetups’.