Peer-led mental health support

A community-based mental health support program is hoping to help improve and maintain mental wellbeing in Busselton by opening a peer-led mental support group next month.

Grow WA offers practical help and support for a range of mental health conditions, carried out in a safe, free, caring and confidential environment.

Grow WA south coastal region field worker Mark Davies encouraged “growers” to come together for the two-hour weekly program to share their life challenges and offer practical advice.

“Members might not always be diagnosed, it could be they are going through a marriage break-up, job loss or loss of a loved one,” he said.

“It’s about creating an atmosphere and a safe, confidential environment where people are able to talk about the most awful things that have happened to them and creating a community for people who have become isolated.

“It’s available to anyone who could benefit”.

Mr Davies said weekly meetings - which begin Friday, March 23 - included an organised program were members were given the opportunity to share their challenges, see different perspectives and learn practical steps for improving and maintaining mental wellbeing.

“There is no pressure on newcomers,” he said.

“Everyone in the group has lived with the struggle of mental health and every week is different with different problems.

“Sometimes other minds working on those problems helps us to see a different perspective.”

The program will run Friday’s from 10am-12noon at the youth and community activities building on the foreshore.

For more information visit grow.org.au