Carers Have Needs Too!

Carers Have Needs too !
Carers can feel isolated both emotionally and physically from those they care for as well as their family and friends.  They may be frustrated with not knowing where to start when seeking help, unsure of the services available or how to access them, and confused with the gamut of emotions they encounter as they journey through the stages of being a Carer.

There is a new project which offers Carers hope in the midst of their challenges.  “GROW – Better Together” is a weekly support group based upon over 50 years of insights gained from the lived experience of countless people who have dealt successfully with mental health issues through the GROW Program.

The GROW movement began in Sydney in 1957 and is a voluntary, community based organisation that has developed solid experience in the art of supporting people experiencing mental illness.    Its Program equips and motivates members to develop and use their personal resources to creatively address their situation.

GROW has groups throughout Australia and overseas and its success has been validated by independent research.

In October 2007 GROW (Vic ) received a Federal  Government  funding  grant to offer the GROW Program to adult Carers  of people with a mental illness.

This much needed funding has offered the Carers an  opportunity to access weekly  “ GROW-Better Together”  meetings at the GROW Community Centre in Caulfield South, with further groups to be  started in the Melbourne  metropolitan and country regions .

These regular meetings provide  a time  for the Carer to share experiences with other Carers , gain understanding, support,  friendship and  an active knowledge of the GROW Program through a meeting structure  developed by a group of Carers with the Carer’s  needs in mind. 

Meetings are held weekly and run for approximately 2hrs followed by refreshments , are free , confidential and open to all  Adult Carers.

For more information regarding this exciting new Mental Health Community Based Program you can call 9528 2977 or 1800 558 268 or   visit  www.grow.net.au or  email  vic@grow.net.au.