GROW Better Together

About the Project

“Grow-Better Together”, a peer support service for caregivers of people experiencing mental illness, delivers aspects of the Grow Program through structured, twice monthly meetings. It deals with the day by day needs of its members, encouraging them to use their own resources and the GROW Program to change for the better their thinking, their talk and their ways. The outcomes include improved family resilience and interpersonal relationships.

It is an initiative of Grow (Vic) and is funded by the Federal Government Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA), and was launched in February 2008.

Seven groups operate in the Melbourne metropolitan area. The meeting structure is based on the GROW model, but has been adapted to the meet the needs of carers. It is very flexible, and open to further refinement as the project progresses.

AFFIRMATIONS:

"As parents of a Grow member, we have appreciated the deep and meaningful help Grow

"Seeing the positive outcomes ourselves, we decided to join the newly formed 'Grow - Better Together' meeting for Carers."

"The welcoming and caring attitude, along with the guidance gained from discussions, we have already found great benefit and hopefully are better Carers as a result."

Rose & Chris

"Prior to my sister's relapse I struggled with denial, guilt, resentment and apathy. As a result I felt powerless, uninformed and disconnected from my sister and family."

"These days when visiting my sister our goal is just to explore and enjoy life. For me, 'Grow- Better Together' makes profound sense."

Marisa

"Grow - Better Together" differs from many other carer support groups. Meetings last for about two hours. Those attending work on the specific challenges they are facing, and the wisdom of the Grow Program is used to address those challenges. An acceptable practical task to deal with the challenge is offered. Members therefore have something definite to work on through the week and are able to report on their progress at the next meeting. This is the very effective and growthful pattern developed by Grow over its 51 years of operation.

The meetings include an explanation of the Project for any new people and usually one member will share their Personal Story. Challenges and Reports on Progress are shared. An Educational and Skills Development section is determined by the needs of the group members, and this could include watching and discussing a DVD, listening to a guest speaker, or perhaps reading some relevant literature. Forward Planning by the group and a written Meeting Evaluation takes place. Meetings are confidential and free, and are followed by refreshments.

Unlike a traditional Grow meeting, the 12 steps are not used directly as these were developed to meet the needs specifically of people dealing with a mental illness.

We welcome invitations to give presentations of "Grow - Better Together" and/or Grow, and look forward to creating opportunities to collaborate with and to complement the work of other agencies in meeting the needs of those who care for someone troubled by a mental illness.

If your agency is interested in a presentation, or you would like to find out more, please contact: Louise Phillips or Kiran Sidhu, Project Officers, "Grow- Better Together"

Phone: 03 9528 2977 email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

WELLWAYS - Are you caring for someone with a Mental Health Issue?

Wellways - an education program by the Mental Illness Fellowship for people who care for a loved one with a mental health issue.

Three hour session, once a week, over eight weeks. The cost is $25.00.

Coming courses are in Dandenong, Albert Park, Frankston, South Yarra, Clayton (in Greek), Cheltenham, Hastings, Rosebud, Dandenong (in Vietnamese), Clayton.

To register or for further enquiries please call the Family Support Worker

on 03 9784 6800.

Group Meeting

It is essential that all new members ring the GROW Office to confirm meeting details before attending group meetings, as meeting times and locations may change.

Please Phone (03) 9528 2977 OR 1800 558 268.


Group	Where
BROADMEADOWS	Family Works Unit B1, 1-13 The Gateway Broadmeadows
CAULFIELD	GROW Community Centre 707 Glen Huntly Rd, Caulfield South View Google Map
RESERVOIR	Reservoir Neighbourhood House 2B Cuthbert Road, Reservoir
DANDENONG	ERMHA 67 Robinson Street, Dandenong View Google Map
FRANKSTON	St Francis Xavier Catholic Church cnr Baxter and Davey Streets Frankston
HOPPERS CROSSING	Heaths Road Library,Werribee Plaza Cnr Derrimut and Heaths Road, Hoppers Crossing View Google Map
SCORESBY	Greater Eastern Primary Health 1350 Ferntree Gully Road, Scoresby Cnr Stud Road Mel ref: 72 J7

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