ARCVic Support Group & Branch Reports 2004
Inner East Support Group
Coordinator - John Geros
Facilitators & Assistants - John, Terry, Marnie, Paul, Poppy.
The Inner East Support Group meets at the Hawthorn Peppercorn Club on the first and third Thursday of each month at 7.30pm. A new format for the Group has been established for 2005. At the first Thursday meeting, the format will be small, mutual support groups, including a new people's group, a regular's group, a family and friends groups and a goal-focused group. At the third Thursday meeting, the format will be an open forum in a large group, which will focus on information sharing and discussion of topics raised in the meeting.
Family & Friends Support Group
This support group meets on the first Thursday of each month, at the Peppercorn Club in Hawthorn.
South East Support Group
by Edwin Belfield, Coordinator
The South East Support Group meets at the Bayside - Bentleigh Community Centre, Gardners Road, East Bentleigh on the second Monday of each month, except on public holidays when the meeting is held on the Tuesday night. The meeting starts at 7.30 pm till 9.30 pm when we break for coffee and chat. Our group provides a supportive, caring and confidential place for sufferers and carers to talk about their problems, learn skills to help their recovery - such as different relaxation methods, basic cognitive behavioural therapy, building their confidence and self-esteem, networking with other sufferers etc. We have an average attendance of about 16 people each month.
In May 2004 the group celebrated its 10th Anniversary. A special night was enjoyed by all to celebrate this most significant milestone. Many thanks to Chris for the most scrumptious array of delicious food one could imagine and everyone else who helped make this a memorable night. Our special guests for the night were the President of the Anxiety Recovery Centre, Mr John Geros and his wife Jessica Bernales, who is the Administrative Officer at the Centre. Special thanks to the Anxiety Recovery Centre for supplying a beautiful anniversary cake for this occasion. Many thanks also to our group facilitators Dianne Anton and Terry Lack, for their dedication and wonderful help over the past years to achieve something we can all be very proud of, and hopefully look forward to another ten years.
Moonee Valley Anxiety & Depression Support Group
Andy Prodromidis, Coordinator & Frank, Assistant Facilitator
The Moonee Valley Anxiety & Depression Support Group had its first meeting in October 2003. The Group is jointly auspiced by ARCVic and the Inner West Primary Mental Health Team. Meetings are held at the Ascot Vale Neighbourhood Centre, Cnr Union Road and Munro Street, Ascot Vale, on the 4th Thursday of each month, 7.30pm. The Group Coordinator is Andy Prodromidis (ARCVic Vice-President, Manager IWPMHT), and he is assisted by Frank (IWPMHT Consumer Consultant).
Thanks to Andy and Frank for their commitment and hard work in setting up and running this group.
Emerald Support Group
by Dianne Legge, Coordinator
Having served the needs of sufferers and carers in the district throughout the past three years, it is with some rejoicing that this splendid group now celebrates its third anniversary. Strong attendances, averaging 8-10 persons on a fortnightly basis, demonstrate effective acceptance of one another by those attending, together with being able to provide encouragement to others with like experiences.
Again, the group has benefited by having Dr Don Jefferys, AO, Clinical and Counselling Psychologist, address an "open" meeting. Such meetings are publicised in local newspapers, medical waiting rooms and community noticeboards. The group warmly appreciates the privilege of having such an encouraging, informative and helpful speaker.
The group's "Fiftieth Meeting" was celebrated recently with a "pizza and coffee" night. It seemed a significant occasion and worthy of recognition. The continuing population growth in the district endorses the need for the group's ongoing service and availability.
Albury-Wodonga Support Group
by Wendy Malcolm, Coordinator
Here we are in Albury Wodonga and it was the 10th Anniversary of the Support Group in October 2004 (more about this in the next annual report!). We are still plodding along, making a difference. Over the past three years the Group has received great support from the Wodonga Council. However, at the end of last year the Council notified us that we could no longer use their premises due to their requirements. So we had to move - the problems associated with finding another venue were numerous - causing much anxiety. We didn't need that! After much to-ing and fro-ing, we have settled at a neighbourhood house (Trudewind Road) which meets our requirements, although it is a bit on the small side. The numbers of the Group are down a bit, but this is seen as a response to a lack of advertising and my absence for 4 months on an overseas holiday, which also impacted on the number of guest speakers at the meetings. There were some in the latter part of last year and up till May this year.
In partnership with Wodonga Regional Health, the Group ran a well-being therapy course for anxiety disorders. It was well received and successful. During my absence, the Group was run by an enthusiastic volunteer who 'wants to make a difference' and whose efforts were exceptional. A personal thank you to Janelle. She was ably assisted by Ann and the other members of the Group. Thanks to all concerned.
Social events have been down this year, although we had a night out at Christmas time at the Commercial Club in Albury.
John Walker remains on as our Patron. He relates well to people with mental illness and has an infectious sense of humour. It is anticipated that a BBQ will be held at John's home prior to Christmas.
The Group remains a positive force in the lives of people suffering from anxiety disorders and depression in North East Victoria and region. We plan to hold a second Forum in May 2006. Contrary to rumours, film of Wendy and Richard's overseas holiday will not be part of the Forum!
Latrobe Valley Support Group
Catherine Ashford, Coordinator & Pearl, Facilitator
The Moe-Narracan anxiety support group is held at the Latrobe Community Health Service in Moe. Group meetings run for 2 hours on a Monday morning once a fortnight, with, on average, six people in attendance. During each group session, individuals are able to share their personal experiences of living with an anxiety disorder, and support each other by sharing helpful ideas to improve their coping abilities. Group facilitators and other members provide information on local and metropolitan programs, services, and resources available to group members. The group continues to maintain a library of resources for members to access. The coordinator, Catherine Ashford has also made a valuable contribution to the group by initiating activities focusing on increasing self-awareness of individual's experiences of anxiety, and introducing anxiety management strategies.
Special thanks goes to Dr Don Jefferys, who has again excelled in his commitment to the Moe-Narracan support group in 2004. He has volunteered his time and expertise to conduct five community seminars across the year. Dr Jefferys' seminars not only raise community awareness of anxiety and related issues, but also reduce the stigma faced by group members living within a small rural community.
Another special thank you must go to the volunteer contribution of art therapist, Nola Rhodes. Nola has facilitated five art therapy sessions since the beginning of 2004. These sessions provide members with an opportunity to express their experiences and deal with anxiety through art. Art therapy has been a welcome addition to the group program, with lots of positive feedback from those who have participated.
Ballarat Support Group
Heather & Karen, Coordinators (to December 2003), Martin, Coordinator
Following Heather and Karen's departure from the Ballarat Support Group at the end of 2003, Martin took over coordinating and running the group. The Group continued to meet on the first Wednesday of each month throughout 2004, however due to other commitments Martin is unable to continue running the group in 2005. Our thanks to Martin for doing a great job at keeping the group going for the year and providing support and assistance to group members.
Social Anxiety Support Group
by Jessica Bernales, Coordinator
The Social Anxiety Support Group met in Armadale at 7.30pm on the last Wednesday of each month until November 2003 when our tenancy at Waiora Community Mental Health Service finished and ARCVic moved to its new location in Ashwood. Support Group meetings resumed in February 2004 at a new time - the last Monday of the month at 7.30pm and a new venue - the Community Meeting Room, Ashburton Library. The Support Group continues to offer people living with Social Anxiety Disorder, their family and friends a safe and confidential setting to meet with others who share similar experiences. The Group aims to provide support to assist individuals with their recovery through increased understanding of their social anxiety, treatment options, applying self-help strategies, developing social connections and participating in social activities.
Thank you to our facilitators for their commitment and dedication over the past year - Dot, Fiona, and Jeff. We were all very sad to say farewell to Dot in March due to an increased study and work load following her commencement of a PhD at Monash University, and Jeff in May when he accepted a teaching position in Japan. They are greatly missed and we wish them all the best in their new roles. Thank you to all who have attended over the last year and courageously shared their experiences, knowledge and wisdom, and inspired hope.