What is GROW ?
GROW offers people organised friendly support through mutual help groups and a 12 Step Program of recovery. People in GROW have experienced many of the symptoms of mental illness; depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and mental and emotional distress. They've also had struggles with life. Losses of loved ones and jobs, marriage difficulties - these things can and do happen to people. These are some of the challenges that cause people to come to GROW.
People participating in GROW experience how extraordinarily liberating and affirming it is when they share their problems with others; especially when those other members have been through similar difficulties. At long last members discover that they are not alone.
People in GROW encourage and accept one another. They face similar issues and best of all, they do not judge one another. In this atmosphere of trust and anonymity, members are able to candidly work on their problems and build on their strengths. They are then able to face their future with optimism and increased confidence.
GROW groups are run weekly by their members; meetings follow a standard format so time is allocated for:
- Personal testimonies - offering hope and optimism
- Group work on participant's problems - with proven vital assistance from the GROW Program
- The assignment of tailored practical tasks
- Reports on progress, which offer encouragement to change and grow
- Adult education about maintaining mental health and rebuilding lives
- Development of social skills and supportive relationships
Beyond the weekly meetings, members extend friendship to one another with phone calls, getting together for coffee and socials.
GROW has no affiliation to any religions and welcomes people of all beliefs.
GROW's method has been successful for over 50 years. Thousands of people have returned to living fulfilled happy lives where they can make their unique contribution to the community as a result of being in GROW.
A voluntary, community-based organisation, GROW began in Hurstville, Sydney in 1957. It now has groups throughout Australia and overseas (the USA, Ireland and New Zealand).