Support Groups

    There are three types of support groups on this page; Strong and Social peer-led, lived-experience mutual support groups, community-based support groups which are peer-led and have mixed membership, and carer support groups which are connected to the Family and Carer Mental Health Program (scroll down the page).

    If you're a person who is working on your mental health recovery and you feel ready to meet other people for mutual support and friendship, you can join our Strong and Social Meetup page or our Support Groups Facebook group to keep up-to-date about what is happening in the Strong and Social groups. Email or sms Hugh, details below, if you prefer to join our email or sms list to get updates. Check the individual groups on the list below.

    We are currently looking for 'lived experience' volunteers to help lead new Strong and Social groups. We're particularly interested to start some groups for people under 35yrs. If you are in Sydney or NSW and are interested to gain experience leading a group then please contact us. Training and support is provided and you will meet other people who are leading support groups. Helping lead a support group can help build recovery, boost self-esteem and even help move towards getting back into the paid workforce. We'd love to talk to you.

    We are also very interested to meet people who would like to be part of our Strong and Social Events Team to help raise money to support the fantastic Strong and Social Paid Peer Leaders project. Click here to have a look at our Meetup group or email or phone Hugh (see below).

    Note: while support groups are good for mutual support, exchanging information and social connection, they are not the right place to go if you are in an immediate crisis. In support groups people generally need to be able to manage themselves in a social situation and in a community space. We are happy, however, to help you find crisis support, please call us, or call the main One Door info line on 1800 843 539. The NSW Health Mental Health line is 1800 011 511 or if it's an emergency call 000.

    Contact our Support Groups Coordinator to find out more:
    Hugh Worrall, 0466 306 206 or email
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au

    Community-Based Mental Health Support Groups

    Place and name of group

    Who attends the group

    Time and place of meeting

    Contact

    Bankstown Beautiful Minds People interested in raising awareness and funds for mental health. Bankstown Beautiful Minds provides support for Banks House, the acute mental health unit at Bankstown Hospital. Last Monday each month, 6.30pm
    Revesby Workers
    2b Brett St, Revesby
    bmbankstown@gmail.com
    www.facebook.com/beautifulmindsbankstown
    Bathurst Mental Health Carers Support Group
    Carers and Supporters.
    3rd Thursday of the month, 7pm
    Bathurst Information Neighbourhood Centre
    96 Russell St
    Christine - 02 6367 9340,
    zemzem27@hotmail.com
    Campbelltown Beautiful Minds People interested in improving mental health services in the Campbelltown area. Campbelltown Beautiful Minds provides support for the acute mental health units at Campbelltown Hospital. 1st Thursday each month, 6pm. 
    Ingleburn RSL Board Room

    Cheryl
    sparadel@bigpond.net.au

    Casula -Strong and Social Mutual Support Group
    A mutual support and social group for people who have had the experience of mental illness.
    Walk/talk in the Regional Park, snacks at the cafe, check out the Art Gallery.

    3rd or 4th Saturday each month, 10.30am.
    Casula Powerhouse, at Casula Train Station.
    Contact us if you'd like to join in.
    The walk is led by Hanh.
    Look for the bunch of (fake) sunflowers to find us.

    Call Hugh for info 0466 306 206
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au
    Click here:Strong and Social - Meetup
    Chester Hill Support and Social Group for the Mental Health Community - Strong and Social
    For people who are working on their mental health recovery and want to meet other people for mutual support. We have a gentle catch-up and some mindfulness activities. We do occasional social activities. Particularly good for people over 45 years. Peer led by Paul
    Not meeting in Feb/March 2023
    Chester Hill Community Centre
    Next to Chester Hill train station, opposite the Library.
    Paul - 0434 797 927
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au 
    Click here:Strong and Social - Meetup
    Coffs Harbour Mental Health Carers
    Carers
    1st Tuesday each month, 10am.
    Uniting Church, Corner Vernon and Gordon St, Coffs Harbour

    Yvonne - 02 6652 8633
    vmyquad@yahoo.com.au

    Central Coast Schizophrenia
    and Bipolar Fellowship Support Group 
    People who have experienced mental health problems,
    carers and supporters

    Summer - Woy Woy waterside park in the gazebo (look for the sunflower). Covid-safe outdoor meeting space.
    Winter - Uniting Church meeting room
    Donnison St, opposite Kibble Park
    1st Thursday of the month at 12noon.

    Stephanie - 02 4344 7989
    ks.wood@bigpond.com
    Hornsby Kuringai Association (HKA)

    Good for mature, experienced carers.

    Currently not meeting but you are also welcome to connect with the North Shore Support Group in Chatswood.

    Hugh - 0466 306 206
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au

    Hornsby - North Shore
    Under 35s Families, Strong and Social Group

    Fortnightly social and mutual support catch-ups. Cafe and walk activities and online Zoom meetings.
    An opportunity for people under 35s and their families/carers to meet together, enjoy a social time and exchange mental health info and support.
     

    2nd Saturday in Hornsby and 4th Thursday in Waverton at 10.30am.
    We meet in a cafe and go for a walk.

    Hugh 0466 306 206
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au
    Click here:Strong and Social - Meetup
    Newcastle - Strong and Social with Troy
    Mental Health Social Support Group
    For people who have experienced mental health problems, carers and supporters. Weekly social activities to help people find friends and maintain their mental health recovery. Peer led by Troy.

    Social activities such as walks, coffee catch-ups and excursions each week of the month and a planning meeting on the 3rd Monday of the month in Mayfield at 4.30pm.

    Hugh Worrall - 0466 306 206
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au
    Join the SMS list to find out about the social activities
    Click here to join the Newcastle Strong and Social Meetup group to keep up-to-date with activities.

    North Shore Mental Health Support Group.

    This group is most suitable for mature, experienced carers who are looking to connect with like-minded people.
    We social meetings in Chatswood every second month and an online meeting with a guest speaker in the alternative months.

    1st Thursday of each month, 7pm
    Hecules House, 49 Hercules St, Chatswood.
    Can join in via Zoom. Contact us for the link.

    Hugh Worrall - 0466 306 206
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au

    Northern Beaches Mental Health Support Group Social group for carers and people with lived experience of mental health problems. Particularly good for people over 45 years.
    2nd Tues each month
    Dee Why RSL, Aqua Lounge
    Go on the SMS text list to get meeting info.

    Hugh Worrall - 0466 306 206
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au

    Nowra - Shoalhaven Mental Health Support Group
    People with lived experience, carers, supporters.
    This is a social group which run events: The Big Crack-Up Variety Night, Mental Health Art Competition and the Christmas Hampers project.

    Contact us to find out about the next meetings and events.

     

    Ann - 0414 061 021
    Matthew - 02 4421 8002

    matthew.sproule@health.nsw.gov.au

    Parramatta Network with Leslie This is a small social group interested in mental health and Parramatta heritage issues. Meetings are usually an informal discussion led by Leslie who also has a lot of mental health referral information. It is not a structured meeting and is not suitable for those looking for personal support. Call Leslie for more info.

    Not currently meeting.

    Leslie - 0407 368 095,
    leslierogan@hotmail.com
    Parramatta Walk and Talk - Strong and Social This is a monthly walk in Parramatta Park for people who have a lived experience of mental ill-health and are looking for some mutual support and friendship from others.  We decide how far to walk depending on how people are feeling. We bring snacks and there is a coffee shop inside the gate. Bring suitable outdoor clothes and sun/rain protection. It's free.

    3rd Wednesday each month
    12noon - 2pm
    We gather inside the big gate on O'Connell St, at the top of George St. Usually at the cafe tables or on the park benches. Look for the bunch of (fake) sunflowers to find us.

     Hugh
    0466 306 206
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au 
     Strong and Social - Events Team  For people interested in being part of running fun events and doing fundraising to help pay our wonderful Strong and Social Peer Leaders.
    People with a lived experience, carers, support people and interested community members welcome.

    TBA - in 2023

    Hugh 0466 306 206
    hugh.worralll@onedoor.org.au
    Join our Meetup group:
    Strong and Social Events Team (Sydney, Australia) | Meetup
     Online Groups      
    "Being In A Group - Making Friends"
    online workshop series
    For people who are building their recovering from mental health issues, are feeling isolated and not sure about how to start to get out and meet new people and make friends.

    Current season starts on Wednesday Feb 8, 2023.
    6 x online workshop sessions
    2 x in-person weekend social meetings

    Hugh - 0466 306 206
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au
    Find us on Meetup:
    Making Friends - Meetup Group
    Online Bipolar Support Group People with a lived experience of bipolar and 
    carers and support people.
    3rd Sunday each month, 2pm.
    Monthly online meetings plus occasional in-person social meetings.
    Hugh - 0466 306 206
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au
     

    Strong and Social Online
    Mutual Support Catch-up with Hanh

    Monthly Catch-up for Mutual Support, peer led by Hanh
    For people who have experienced mental health problems. Carers and support people are welcome.

     

    2nd Tuesday each month catch-up, 7pm on Zoom
    Call, text or email Hugh to get the Zoom link or join the Meetup or Facebook groups.

     

    Hugh 0466 306 206
    hugh.worralll@onedoor.org.au
    Get on the email or sms list for the Zoom links
    Join our Meetup group: 
    Strong and Social - Mutual Support Group
    or Facebook group:
    One Door Mental Health Support Groups | Facebook

    Strong and Social Online
    Mutual Support Catch-up with Paul and Troy
    Weekly Catch-up for Mutual Support, peer led by Paul
    For people who have experienced mental health problems. Carers and support people are welcome.
    Every Friday, 10am, online with Zoom.
    Call or text Paul for more info 0434 797 927
    or join the Meetup or Facebook groups.

    Hugh 0466 306 206
    hugh.worralll@onedoor.org.au
    Get on the email or sms list for the Zoom links
    Join our Meetup group: 
    Strong and Social - Mutual Support Group
    or Facebook group:
    One Door Mental Health Support Groups | Facebook
      

    Family and Carer Mental Health Support Groups

     

    Place and name of group

    Who attends the group

    Time and place of meeting

    Contact

    Albury Carers
    1st Thursday each month, 2.30pm.
    Albury

    Susan - 02 6021 5882
    susan.morris@onedoor.org.au

    Armidale Carers 4th Monday each month, 
    Alternating lunch-time and after-work.
    Armidale.

    Isabelle - 02 6772 3211 or 0400 463 171   
    isabelle.devos@onedoor.org.au
    Please contact for information about the online support group.

     Ashfield - Mandarin Speaking Carers Support Group Mandarin Carers

    4th Tuesday each month, 
    10am to 12pm
    Club Ashfield

    Suki Su - 0417 370 222
    suki.su@onedoor.org.au
    Balmain Mental Health Carers Support Group
    Carers 1st Tuesday each month, 7pm. 
    Balmain Town Hall
    or Zoom when in lockdown
    Bronwyn - 0427 601 795
    Bronwyn.Monro@gmail.com
    Daniela - 0422 404 462 
    daniela.correia@onedoor.org.au
    Bankstown Mental Health Carers Carers 1st Tuesday each month, 7pm
    Room 4, Level 4
    Bankstown Hospital
    Mae - 0439 473 926
    hugh.worrall@onedoor.org.au
    Bankstown Carer Support Group Carers 1st Monday each month, 6.30-8.30pm
    Bankstown Sports Club
    In the community room
    Loretta.doolan@onedoor.org.au 
    mob 0478 404 658
    Bankstown Carers Coffee and Chat Carers 3rd Monday each month, 10-11am
    Oliver Brown cafe, Bankstown Central
    Lady CutlerAve
    Loretta.doolan@onedoor.org.au
    mob 0478 404 658
    Bargo Carers Support Group Carers 2nd Thursday each month Carmel 0448 029 985
    carmel.averillo@onedoor.org.au 

    Bateman's Bay - Caring Connections Carers

    3rd Monday each month. Please call for location. 

    Allyn - 0422 404 442
    acc.cooke@gmail.com
    Angela 0455 402 763
    Angela.stewart@onedoor.org.au
    Bowral Carers Support Group Carers 2nd Wednesday each month, 10am Carmel 0448 029 985
    carmel.averillo@onedoor.org.au 
    Burwood Carers Support Group
    Carers
    3rd Tuesday each month, 7pm.
    Burwood RSL

    Loris - 02 9708 2670
    or 0466 549 095

    loris.saysana@onedoor.org.au

    Camden Carer Support Group Carers 4th Tuesday each month
    10am to 12noon
    Narellan
    Janelle - 0423 767 501
    janelle.hint@onedoor.org.au
    Campbelltown Carers Support Group
    Carers
    3rd Wednesday each month, 5.30pm.
    One Door Mental Health
    3/208 Queen St
    Campbelltown
    Janelle - 0423 767 501
    janelle.hint@onedoor.org.au
    Canterbury Mental Health Carers
    Carers
    2nd Tuesday each month, 10am.
    Bridgewater House,
    11 Berna Ave, Canterbury
    Valentina - 0401 694 396
    valentinamk@onedoor.org.au
    Canterbury NOUS Carers
    Greek Carers
    1st and 3rd Monday each month, 10am.
    Bridgewater House,
    11 Berna Ave, Canterbury

    Paraskevi - 0428 907 573
    paraskevi.trifyllis@onedoor.org.au
    nous@onedoor.org.au

    Canterbury Vietnamese Carers Support Group
    Vietnamese Carers
    Fortnightly on Monday's, 10am. 
    Bridgewater House,
    11 Berna St Canterbury
    Lianne - 0478404662
    lianne@onedoor.org.au
    Corowa Carers Group
    Carers
    Last Tuesday each month
    10.30am to 1pm
    Intereach Hub
    Corowa

    Michelle
    ph: 02 6021 5882
    mob: 0481 010 728
    michelle.conroy@onedoor.org.au
    Deniliquin Carer Support Group Carers 1st Tuesday each month,
    10.30am to 1pm
    Intereach Deniliquin Hub 

    Michelle Conroy - 0481 010 728
    michelle.conroy@onedoor.org.au

    Fairy Meadow Mental Health Carers Support Group (ARAFMI Illawarra Office)  Carers who support a friend or family member living with mental health issues who want to gain strategies around positive caring and enhance their own wellbeing. 4th Tuesday each month
    5.30pm - 7.30pm
    ARAFMI Illawarra Office
    17 Princes Hwy, Fairy Meadow
    David Jackson - 0419 513 684 or 02 4283 3993
    david.jackson@onedoor.org.au 
    Fairy Meadow
    A Cuppa with Carers
    A social support group for people providing support to someone experiencing mental health challenges 1st Tuesday each month
    10.30am - 12.30pm
    The Fraternity Club
    11 Bourke St, Fairy Meadow
    David Jackson - 0419 513 684 or 02 4283 3993
    david.jackson@onedoor.org.au 
    Glen Innes - CUPS (Carers Under Pressure) Carers  3rd Tuesday each month, 1pm.
    Glen Innes.

    Isabelle - 02 6772 3211 or 0400 463 171
    isabelle.devos@onedoor.org.au
    Please contact for information about the online support group.
    Goulburn Mental Health Family and Carers Support Group Mental health carers for building social support and information exchange.

    Last Monday each month
    5.30pm - 7pm
    Workspace Goulburn - Boardroom

    Monique Foster - 0400 533 052 
    monique.foster@onedoor.org.au

    Great Lakes Mental Health Carer Support Group  Carers 

    Forster.
    Please contact for time and location.
     

    Margaret - 0456 966 173
    glmentalhealthcarers@gmail.com
    Mydie - 02 6551 4333
    mydie.keegan@onedoor.org.au

    Griffith
    Carers
    3rd Monday each month, 11am
    Griffith
    Jo - 0458 299 067
    Joanne.polkinghorne@onedoor.org.au
    Ingleburn Carers Support Group  Carers 2nd Wednesday each month, 5.30pm.
    One Door Mental Health
    Janelle - 0423 767 501
    janelle.hint@onedoor.org.au
    Inverell Support Group

    Carers

    1st Tuesday each month, 12.30 - 2pm.
    Please contact for location. 

    Lisa Dunlop - 0428 964 000
    lisa.dunlop@onedoor.org.au
    Liverpool Fairfield Mental Health Carers
    Carers
    1st Thursday each month, 11am. 
    Cabravale Diggers Club
    1 Bartley St, Canley Vale
    Amy -0439 257 138
    amy.kemp@onedoor.org.au
    Maitland Carers 3rd Thursday each month, 10am. 
    Maitland. 

    Johanna Rowe - 0466 560 233
    johanna.rowe@onedoor.org.au

    Marrickville Support Group Carers Last Wednesday each month, 2pm-3.30pm
    Marrickville Cottage
    behind Marrickville Health Centre
    155-157 Livingstone Rd
    Marrickville
    Suki Su - 0417 370 222
    suki.su@onedoor.org.au



    Merimbula -
    Sapphire Coast
    Carers

    Last Friday each month, 11am.
    Contact Lynette for the venue info.

    Lynette - 0466 329 315
    lynette.duck@onedoor.org.au
    Newcastle Carers Support Group Mental Health Carers - social activities 3rd Tuesday each month, 10am
    Various locations, contact to confirm.
    Daryn Steer daryn.steer@onedoor.org.au
    0400 498 479
    Port Stephens Support Group Mental Health Carers

    2nd Monday each month, 10am
    Yaacaba Centre, Nelson Bay from May 2021

    Daryn Steer daryn.steer@onedoor.org.au
    0400 498 479

    Queenbeyan Carers Mental Health Carers Last Monday each month, 5.30pm - 7pm.
    Please call or email for the location.
    Melanie - 0436 322 051
    melanie.turner@onedoor.org.au
    Tamworth Mental Health Carers Support Group Carers  

    2nd Tuesday each month, 10am.
    Tamworth
    Please contact for location.

    Di - 0418 652 976
    carerinfohne@onedoor.org.au

    Taree - Manning MH Social Family and Friends Carers 4th Tuesday each month,
    1pm-3pm
    78 Wynter St.

     

    Tenterfield - Support Group for Mental Health Carers Carers Meets quarterly.

    Isabelle - 6772 3211 or mobile 0400 463 171
    Please contact for details of online support group.

    Ulladulla Carers Carers 1st & 3rd Tuesday each month, 1pm.
    Ulladulla Community Resources Centre,
    78 St Vincents St. 
    Sharon - 02 4285 0019

    Upper Hunter Mental Health Carer Support Group
    Carers 3rd Tuesday each month, 10am - 12noon
    Muswellbrook
    Hayley - 0466 453 078
    hayley.hungerford@onedoor.org.au
    Villawood - Vietnamese Carers Support Group
    Vietnamese Carers
    4th Monday each month, 10:00am.
    Villawood Senior Citizens Centre
    29 Villawood Rd, Villawood
    Lianne - 0478 404 662
    lianne@onedoor.org.au
    Wagga Wagga
    Carers
    1st & 3rd Tuesday each month

    David McLennan 0481 915 526
    david.mclennan@onedoor.org.au
    Online Groups      
    Mental Health Carers Support Group Online Carers

    Monthly - first Tuesday 10 am – 11 am and
    Monthly - third Tuesday 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm

    Bookings essential,
    please contact your local Carer Advocate or
    Mydie on 0429 995 907 Email: mydie.keegan@onedoor.org.au
    Diane on 0428 466 542
    diane.dobson@onedoor.org.au

    Blokes Talk Male Carers 3rd Wednesday each month
    12noon-1pm
    david.mclennan@onedoor.org.au 
    David McLennan 0481 915 526