New virtual mental health support groups will begin in the region in May, offering residents a safe online space to chat with like-minded people.
The initiative comes from Grow, a community-based organisation that helps thousands of Australians with their mental health recovery through a unique program of mutual support and personal development.
Now the company is offering its new eGrow sessions to Queensland communities, including Bundaberg, with the aim to connect people living regionally who often experience similar challenges in accessing support and isolation.
Information sessions about the program will be held at the Bundaberg Neighbourhood Centre on Wednesday 20 April from noon, as well as a virtual information session on Tuesday 3 May.
GROW Australia Regional Program Worker Georgie Stewart said the groups were accessible to everyone, with the information sessions a great opportunity to find out all you need to know.
“Whilst our Grow groups have been running since 1957 and continue to run nationally, our Regional Queensland eGrow group is new and commences in May,” Georgie said.
“Our community information sessions are being held at the Neighbourhood Centre so that they are accessible and after that, our group will operate via Zoom.
“These are a great chance to simply find out about what we do, how we do it and why , as well as connect with myself and other members who will be participating in the group, with the session finished off with a social chat over a cuppa.”
The group is open to anyone wanting to focus on their mental health and wellbeing and is run weekly with a two hour meeting.
“The eGrow group is an online peer-to-peer support group, open to anyone seeking skills to develop or maintain good mental health and overall wellbeing,” she said.
“It is a structured two hour weekly meeting and at each meeting, members explore self-improvement strategies on their road to recovery and overall wellbeing.
“To do this, we draw on our Grow program, a 12-step program of personal growth and development, mutual help and support.”
Georgie said the group was peer led, allowing people the opportunity to hear from others who may be going through similar challenges.
“Everyone in the group has opportunities to share their life experiences, problem solve, be motivated by stories from other members and ultimately, be reminded that they are not alone,” she said.
“Everyone is welcome to the group, whether or not they experience mental illness, as the program is about personal development, growth and overall wellbeing.
“Our group is unique, in that it is peer-led, by someone who has been through the Grow program and the support members receive at the meetings comes from people who are also facing similar life challenges.”
You can find out more about eGrow sessions here.
If you or anyone you know needs support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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