By ALANA MITCHELSON
A NEW support group for people struggling with mental health issues will open in Pakenham this Tuesday.
Led by a facilitator, residents are welcome to attend the weekly free two-hour sessions to talk about any problems they may be facing, with the comfort of knowing all conversations will remain confidential.
Pakenham resident and life member of GROW Trevor Longmuir initiated the push for a local mental health support group, hoping that people will be more likely to seek help if services are closer to communities.
Volunteer Joan Vogels said that prior to a Pakenham group, the nearest GROW support sessions were held in Berwick.
Mr Longmuir had even travelled back and forth from sessions as far as Frankston for many years, she said.
“I was so moved when he approached me with his idea for a local support group,” Ms Vogels said.
“He wants to help others because he appreciates how much these sessions have helped him.
“The sessions give people the opportunity to talk about any struggles they may be having with people who are experiencing similar challenges. They understand each other.
“There would be hundreds of people in this area with mental health issues who do really need to come along and feel loved and understood.”
The support group will meet each Tuesday from 1pm to 3pm at the Living and Learning Centre.
