Support Groups & Community Networks
Connect with others who understand your journey through peer support networks, community groups, and online forums dedicated to mental health recovery and wellbeing.
🫂 Types of Mental Health Support Groups
In-Person Support Groups
Depression Support Groups
- GROW Australia: 1800 558 268 - Personal growth groups
- SANE Peer Support: Community-based peer support programs
- Lifeline Support Groups: Local community support circles
- Beyond Blue Groups: Face-to-face support in major cities
Anxiety Support Groups
- Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria: Specialized anxiety support groups
- Social Anxiety Support: Groups for social anxiety and confidence building
- Panic Disorder Groups: Specific support for panic attack management
- PTSD Support Networks: Trauma-informed group support
Online Support Communities
Moderated Online Forums
- SANE Forums: saneforums.org - Moderated peer support
- Beyond Blue Forums: 24/7 online community support
- ReachOut Forums: For young people (16-25 years)
- Headspace Online: Youth-focused digital support community
Professional-Led Online Groups
- This Way Up Groups: CBT-based online group therapy
- MindSpot Community: Online treatment program communities
- eheadspace Groups: Virtual group sessions for young people
🌏 Location-Based Support Groups
Major Cities
Sydney Support Groups
- Black Dog Institute: Mood disorder support groups
- Sydney Mental Health Co-op: Peer-run support networks
- STARTTS: Multicultural trauma support groups
- Wesley Mission: Community mental health support
Melbourne Support Groups
- Mind Australia: Community support programs
- Orygen: Youth mental health peer support
- GROW Melbourne: Personal development groups
- Wellways: Recovery-oriented support groups
Brisbane Support Groups
- ARAFMI: Mental health carer support groups
- Lives Lived Well: Addiction and mental health support
- Open Minds: Community mental health support
- Queensland Alliance: Peer support networks
Perth Support Groups
- RUAH Community Services: Mental health support
- Advocacy South West: Regional support groups
- Mental Health Carers ARAFMI: Family and carer support
- Richmond Wellbeing: Holistic support groups
Regional and Rural Support
Online-First Regional Groups
- Rural Mental Health: Telehealth support groups
- Flying Doctor Service: Remote mental health support
- Headspace Regional: Youth support in regional areas
- Beyond Blue Rural: Specialized rural support programs
Local Community Groups
- Rotary Mental Health: Community-driven support
- RSL Veteran Support: Military-specific mental health groups
- Church-based Support: Faith-community mental health groups
- Neighbourhood Centres: Local grassroots support networks
💡 Specialized Support Groups
Employment-Related Mental Health
Job Loss Support Groups
- MAX Employment: Group sessions for unemployed individuals
- Salvation Army: Employment and mental health support
- Mission Australia: Integrated employment support
- Local Employment Providers: Check your provider for group programs
Workplace Mental Health
- Employee Assistance Programs: Workplace-sponsored groups
- Union Mental Health Groups: Industry-specific support
- Professional Association Groups: Career-focused mental health support
Life Stage Support Groups
Young Adults (18-25)
- Orygen: Specialist youth mental health groups
- ReachOut: Peer support for young adults
- headspace: Age-appropriate group support
- YMCA: Community-based youth support groups
Parents and Families
- Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA): Parenting support groups
- Parentline: Family mental health support groups
- ARAFMI: Family and carer support networks
- Relationships Australia: Family therapy groups
Older Adults (55+)
- COTA: Council on the Ageing support groups
- Seniors Rights Victoria: Age-specific mental health support
- Dementia Australia: Support for cognitive health concerns
- Local Senior Centres: Community-based older adult groups
Identity-Specific Support
LGBTQIA+ Mental Health
- QLife: LGBTI peer support groups
- Switchboard Victoria: LGBTQIA+ community support
- ACON: NSW LGBTQIA+ mental health groups
- Minus18: Youth LGBTQIA+ support groups
Multicultural Support
- Settlement Services: Culturally appropriate support groups
- Transcultural Mental Health: Multicultural group support
- Immigrant Women’s Health: Gender and culture-specific support
- Religious Community Groups: Faith-based multicultural support
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
- 13YARN: Indigenous peer support groups
- Healing Foundation: Trauma-informed Indigenous groups
- Local Aboriginal Health Services: Community-specific support
- Elders Circles: Traditional healing and support methods
🔍 Finding the Right Support Group
Questions to Ask Before Joining
Group Structure and Format
- What is the group size and meeting frequency?
- Is it a closed group (same members) or open group (rotating membership)?
- What is the typical meeting format and duration?
- Are meetings in-person, online, or hybrid?
Group Focus and Approach
- What specific mental health conditions or challenges does the group address?
- Is it peer-led or professionally facilitated?
- What therapeutic approach or framework does the group use?
- Are there specific goals or outcomes the group works toward?
Practical Considerations
- What are the costs involved (if any)?
- What is the location and accessibility?
- Are childcare or transportation assistance available?
- What is the group’s policy on confidentiality and privacy?
Red Flags to Avoid
Unprofessional Groups
- ❌ Groups that discourage professional medical treatment
- ❌ Leaders without proper training or credentials
- ❌ Groups that promote unproven “miracle cures”
- ❌ Pressure to purchase products or services
Unhealthy Group Dynamics
- ❌ Groups that allow verbal abuse or discrimination
- ❌ Lack of clear boundaries or confidentiality rules
- ❌ One person dominating every session
- ❌ Pressure to share more than you’re comfortable with
🌟 Starting Your Own Support Group
When to Consider Starting a Group
- No existing groups meet your specific needs
- You have a unique experience or challenge to share
- You’ve gained skills in your recovery journey
- You want to give back to your community
Steps to Start a Support Group
1. Define Your Group’s Purpose
- Identify the specific mental health focus
- Determine target demographics or community
- Set clear goals and expectations
- Choose meeting format and frequency
2. Find Resources and Support
- Connect with established mental health organizations
- Seek training in group facilitation
- Identify meeting space and resources
- Develop safety protocols and guidelines
3. Build Your Community
- Start with friends, family, or healthcare connections
- Promote through mental health services and providers
- Use community bulletin boards and social media
- Partner with existing organizations for referrals
4. Establish Group Guidelines
- Create clear confidentiality agreements
- Set communication and behavior expectations
- Develop crisis response procedures
- Establish regular evaluation and feedback processes
📞 Getting Connected Today
Immediate Next Steps
- Call a helpline to discuss group options in your area
- Contact your GP or mental health professional for group referrals
- Visit organization websites to find current group schedules
- Attend a trial session without committing long-term
- Prepare questions about group format and expectations
Crisis Support While Seeking Groups
If you need immediate support while looking for the right group:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support)
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 (depression and anxiety)
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
- Mental Health Emergency: 000 (life-threatening situations)
Professional Integration
Support groups work best when integrated with professional care:
- Inform your therapist or psychiatrist about group participation
- Use group insights to enhance individual therapy
- Coordinate group and professional treatment goals
- Maintain consistent medication and treatment plans
Important Reminders
Support Groups Complement Professional Treatment
- Groups provide peer support, not medical treatment
- Continue working with qualified mental health professionals
- Medication and therapy remain important treatment components
- Use groups to enhance, not replace, professional care
Recovery is a Community Journey
- You don’t have to face mental health challenges alone
- Peer support provides unique understanding and hope
- Sharing experiences helps both you and others heal
- Community connections strengthen resilience and recovery
Finding Your Fit May Take Time
- Different groups serve different needs and personalities
- It’s okay to try several groups before finding the right fit
- Your needs may change as you progress in recovery
- Quality of group experience matters more than convenience
This information is provided for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with qualified mental health professionals for personalized treatment recommendations.
Last updated: January 2025