Support Groups

Our support groups provide social, and emotional support from like-minded people who have lived similar experiences of mental illness with their loved ones.  Everyone can benefit from these groups whether they are giving or receiving support by sharing personal experiences and knowledge, as well as focusing on strength as a group.

When you are dealing with a mental illness in your family, you can feel very afraid and unsure, and things can sometimes seem a bit lonely and isolating when the people around you don't seem to understand.  Our support groups offer a safe, comfortable environment for you to spend time with others who have experienced mental illness in their families, offering you a place receive empathetic support as well as giving you the ability to help support others.

We offer a number of support groups as well as education sessions that are available 1-3 times a month and cover a wide range of subjects such as addiction, mental health, dementia, child/youth support, and adult/elderly support.

Children's Group & Individual Youth Support

Mental Health & Wellbeing facilitates children's groups (ages 5-12), and individual support for youth (ages 13+).  Both are designed to help support children and youth who have a family member with mental health and/or addiction issues.  These provide age appropriate education and understanding of mental health and addiction through activity-based sessions.

Our aim is to:

• Increase emotional resilience and problem-solving skills
• Increase emotional wellbeing
• Increase confidence and self esteem
• Teach and promote coping skills
• Decrease anxiety and risk of depression
• Increase self-awareness and self-care
• Assist children and youth to develop life skills to effectively cope with difficult situations
• Promote positive relationships with others
• Focus on families' strengths by acknowledging the positives and giving hope
• Have fun

What we provide:

• Early intervention
• Support in a safe environment
• Age appropriate education about mental health and/or addiction issues
• Social activities where children can mix and develop friendships with peers experiencing similar situations
• Education about recognising early warning signs, and when and how to seek help
• Opportunity to develop an emergency safety plan if needed
• Referrals to Mental Health Services or other agencies if required
• A "fun day out" at the end of each school term
• Support for parents
• Non-judgemental attitude
• Cultural awareness

Contact Us to Find Out More

Dementia Family Support Coffee Group

The dementia journey is challenging for family and friends, and our Dementia Family Support Coffee Group can help assist and support like-minded people with this often difficult and painful experience.  Our group meets at different times during the month, often for coffee and lunch at different places around the community.  This is a social opportunity that offers a place to share your journey with others as well as strategies to cope with the day to day challenges of having a loved one with dementia.

Our coffee group members:

• Share stories and experiences
• Support and uplift one another
• Offer knowledge & coping mechanisms
• Help minimise feelings of isolation
• Provide understanding, empathy and care

Contact Us to Find Out More