GROW is Australia’s only national peer support organisation.  GROW is a grass roots organisation with participants of GROW providing the leadership of the organisation at the branches and the national Board.

GROW has operated for over 50 years and was established and developed by people living with a mental illness.  GROW’s program of personal growth, group method and sharing, caring  community has been developed from the findings and experience of people with a mental illness in the course of their recovery and rebuilding their lives.

GROW members share their own experiences and coping strategies in order to help one another. Members don’t just benefit from one another’s experience but, through mutual sharing, and the establishment of trust. The mutual support and friendship developed creates a an ongoing network of support and a community of caring and sharing.

People come to GROW because they have experienced mental illness; depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and mental and emotional distress.

GROW participants can join in weekly GROW meetings, attend social activities, and education and information sessions which are structured to assist participants with their personal growth and development.  We also encourage and support GROW participants to undertake leadership roles  and discover their potential.

GROW also provides specialised services including:

• Personal testimonies - offering hope and optimism
• Carer groups
• Prison groups
• Early intervention for youth provided in schools
• Supported accommodation
• Dual diagnosis (Drug and Alcohol and Mental Illness)

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).

How can I get in touch with GROW in Australia?