How message boards can change your life

sylver1975 from the How To Do Dating board agrees, but warns, 'you won't always get the reply you wanted, but that's the point of the boards, to get a varied selection of opinions, take them on board and make your own decision. Most times when I post, I know what the answer is - I just need it reaffirmed, and some encouragement to follow through with it.'

Even if a member's first reason for posting is to ask for support, it isn't long before they find themselves giving it too.

'The boards have helped me to help others, to find friends, to share problems, and to feel like we are all part of the solution,' says cl-amber2003, co-host of the Exploring Abuse board. 'Violence and other forms of abuse leave people isolated and alone. iVillage has shown how it is possible to break that silence, and to bring information and support into the homes of people throughout the UK and further afield.'

But it's not just dangerous situations that breed isolation. Happy events can have the same effect. Discovering you are pregnant for the first time, for example.

'The boards gave me confidence about my pregnancy,' says cl-kvj123, a host on Babies Born April-June 2003. 'They provided me with all the information I needed in early pregnancy, before the NHS really starts taking notice of you. That's when I had the most questions and worries.

'They put me in contact with people going thorough the same thing as me; people to share the excitement and worries of pregnancy with.'

So, whether you are looking for advice on a good recipe for a dinner party, reassurance that your emotions are 'normal' or want to chat about the latest news events, there is always someone to listen, share and help.

'It's been like having a friend holding my hand as I walk through a minefield,' says cl-hansmic, a host of the Adoption and Fostering board. 'A friend who maybe knows not where the mines are placed, but at least knows the nature of the minefield and why it is important to me that I get across it.'

For a full list of iVillage message boards go to www.ivillage.co.uk/boards.

Have a look at what is going on LIVE in the Confession Corner message board!