I agree you shouldnt give up just yet. It does take a while to get into it - I found it pretty tedious at first too, but after a while you get to know a few personalities and it gets more interesting.
Also, the fact that you joined with people you already know can be a barrier into getting involved, you are more likely to just talk to each other and less inclined to interact with other people. Just try and make a concious effort to talk to someone else if/when you next go.
You say that there is no advice/support on offer - well why not start the ball rolling! You've got heaps of examples to offer - you're on minimins so there's bound to be something you've found out here that you can share with the group. You may find that if you offer an idea it might get picked up by the rest of the group and others will share things. Or when you get settled in a bit more, suggest any ideas of things you'd like to discuss in group to your consultant.
One of the things we tend to do, that was suggested by a group member is that when we think of it, people bring in something for the raffle (we have lots of small prizes so a few people win things) Thanks to that, I've shared with people the joy of chickpea dahl, co-op pittas being a new HEXB, mug shots and mikado sticks! I've also found out about or tried a few new things, and won some fresh beans from someones garden.
It really is a case of you get out what you put in