Groups

NEXT OPEN SUPPORT GROUP

Thursday, 16 October 2017, 11 a.m., Tawa Community Centre. ALL WELCOME!



WHY SUPPORT GROUPS?

Some of the most difficult aspects of being mentally un-well (as well as battling with an addiction) are lack of support, knowledge and understanding, as well as dealing with poor behaviours & attitudes, according to ‘everyday people and mental illness’ resource by HealthEd. In contrast, understanding, acceptance and support of family, friends, employers, co-workers and others in the community can help deal with issues.


The support groups can be fun and creative. It can be a platform to express your opinion or view, in a non-judgmental or non-threatening environment. For those with anxiety may feel uncomfortable but this is a time to come together and express – good or bad; whether you’ve had a good day or a bad day. Either way, everyone is accepted and respected for their view.

We want to make it relaxin,g fun and creative by including various activities, such as mindful meditation, arts, workshops, guest speakers, game night, various activities and a time to just relax and talk. In general, the groups are set up to:

  • Share personal experiences, encouragement, support, strength and hope; whether a person is in a better place or in a bad place – it’s all part of ups and downs of life

  • Be around those in similar situations because you do not have to be alone

  • Avoid isolation and discrimination; no one has to suffer alone

  • Understand each other by expressing personal ups and downs; it’s a time to give and take in a safe and respectful manner

  • Share information and tips on dealing with any difficulty; a time to give and gain tips on what works in life and what doesn’t. The key is often to find ways to progress even if it is in a small ways

  • Gain knowledge through e-book resources, support and sharing, to slowly create a forward momentum

  • Come and enjoy various fun and creative activities in a safe and non-judgemental environment



SUICIDAL?

If anyone is in a position to take others or their own life, please let us know, ask your GP to write a letter and get on the workshop ASAP. Once this is dealt with, get alongside others for support in the group. If you are in financial hardship, please let us know, we will do all we can.

If you require urgent assistance:

  • 24hour counselling service is available 7 days a week (Text / Call 1737)

  • Call the Police / emergency help on 111

  • Wait until professional support is available

If you prefer one-on-one sessions, please contact us at www.pagesofpossibilities.net (.org) to get through the situation. The time of session will depend on availability. However, urgency will be considered.



WHO CAN ATTEND THE GROUP MEETINGS?

Everyone is welcome to the Open Support Group Meeting, including friends and family. Currently, the meetings are for adults from all walks of life. As soon we have more volunteers with experience to get alongside youth, we are interested in starting groups for youth and the homeless.



OPEN SUPPORT GROUPS

Open Support Groups are held every first and third Thursday of the month. The First Open Support Group Meeting was held on Thursday, 21 September 2017 at Tawa Community Centre, from 7:30pm. The location will depend on the availability of Tawa Community Centre and the number of people attending. If you requie further information, feel free to contact us. If you wish to attend the workshops, please contact us at www.pagesofpossibilities.net.



RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUPS

The Recovery Support Groups are for the members who have made a commitment to make a difference in life by attending recovery support group meetings, workshops and one-on-one sessions. These groups are more progressive and goal-oriented, allowing each person to move at their pace and phase of life.


While both addiction and mental illness present general concepts and needs, they can be very broad and complex. We do not want anyone to feel left out in the cold. Therefore, the groups may be split into several groups to take into consideration different needs.



HOW OFTEN ARE THEY HELD?

We would like both the Open and Recovery Support Groups to be held twice in a month, at least. They will be posted on this website and through various social media advertising opportunities.



WHAT TAKES PLACE?

Those who wish to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee can do so and we generally begin with talking and whatever activities are planned:

  • At times it will be a time to just relax and be around others – those who wish to talk about their day, progress, ups and downs, what has been helpful during the week... or month...

  • We like to include various relaxing, fun and creative activities, including mindful meditation, games night, table tennis, workshops, arts and so on.

  • Read relevant books to gain information and tips on different subject of mental health, e.g. anxiety, depression, addiction

  • A Guest speaker may be invited, from time to time

  • Events (if any) will be announced

  • A donation will be collected to pay for the hire of the hall and beverages, which will be available at the start of the meeting

  • (The Recovery Support Groups differ and change)

To gain knowledge through educational books, e-books are provided for free by www.pagesofpossibilities.net (.org), which are also available to purchase for all.

PLACE OF MEETING

In most cases, places of meetings will be posted on the website. However, due to the availability and number of people attending, the location may change. It is more likely to be held at Community Centres and in Church buildings available to hire. The Recovery Support Group meeting for the members will be announced at the end of each meeting or every member will be informed via email.

DURATION OF the MEETING & the COST

The meetings will last for approximately an hour and a half, possibly starting at 7:30 p.m., finishing around 9 p.m. There is no cost involved to attend the Open Support Groups; however, donation will be collected for those who chooses to contribute.


GIFT OR SPONSORSHIP OPTION
Sponsorship or e-gifts can be arranged to support those in material hardship or for the homeless.



If you are a family member, friend or an acquaintance, you are welcome to come along to the Open Support Group to support and be there for them. This organisation is set up to do just that: to be part of the answer in some ways.




NEED TO TALK?

FREE 24/7 COUNSELLING SERVICE

TEXT / CALL 1737







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