Mental Illness

If you are concerned about yourself or someone who may have a mental illness, contact the 24 hour Mental Health Access Line on 1300 369 968.

You may also find it helpful to visit our Mental Health Website.

The Hastings Mental Health Support Group

Provides support to families who have a member with a mental illness. Meetings are held at the Port Macquarie Base Hospital Seminar Room on last the Thurs. of each month at 10:30 am. Contact: Sheila Openshaw 6582 5592 or 0408235870. This group is open to people affectd by any mental illness, but they are supported by the The Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW Inc, which is committed to improving the circumstances and welfare of people living with serious mental illness, their carers and relatives.

GROW

PO Box 1232, Lismore
15 Molesworth Street, Lismore, 2480
Ph: (02) 6621 3737 Lismore
Confidential, anonymous, non denominational 12 Step program for mental illness recovery and personal growth, mutual phone support, individual groups in different towns. Use the Lismore number to make enquiries about GROW groups on the Mid North Coast - groups meet at Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Coffs Harbour - phone Lismore for details.

Kempsey Schizophrenia Support Group phone 02 9879 2600 for details

Lake Cathie Schizophrenia Support Group phone 6584 8092

South West Rocks Schizophrenia Support Group phone 02 9879 6200 for details

Wauchope Schizophrenia Support Group phone 0419 263 226 for details

ARAFMI (Association of Relatives and Friends of the Mentally Ill)

ARAFMI offers support for relatives, friends and carers of the mentally ill. The format of the support meetings aims to give everyone who attends an opportunity to share their feelings, offer comfort and support to other members, or simply to listen and observe. Confidentiality is an essential feature of the support groups because whatever is discussed or mentioned in the meetings cannot be discussed outside of the group.

The State office can give you information about support people who can deal with enquiries from familles and friends on a range of mental illnesses by telephone. Call (02) 9887 5897

Coffs Harbour: For More Information contact: Pam 6654 0758 or Delia 6652 2105

Nambucca Valley: For More Information, contact: Jo 6564 7440 or Sheila 6569 5321

ARAFMI has a State Website which has an extensive links page providing information about a wide range of disorders, medications, coping strategies and much more.

They link to an information page about disorders which covers, Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Attention Deficit, Panic, Phobias, Dissassociative Disorders, Schizophrenia, Post Traumatic Stress and more.

State and National Support Organizations

There are a number of state and national support groups for people with Mental Illness, their carers, families, partners and friends. Here are links to some National Organizations which can help with news and information about Mental Health issues.

Beyond Blue
The national depression initiative, a very informative website about depression.
www.beyondblue.org.au

Depressionnet
Information, help, and support for people who have depression or are depressed.
www.depressionet.com.au

Mental Health Council of Australia
www.mhca.com.au

Mental Health Association NSW Inc.
Mental Health Information Service,Monday to Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm (closed Wednesdays 9am -11am)
Rural: 1800 674 200
www.mentalhealth.asn.au

Depression and Bipolar Disorder Information Australia
Black Dog Institute is an educational, research and clinical facility offering
specialist expertise in mood disorders.
www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW - Runs support groups across rural and metropolitan for everyone: people with a mental illness, relatives, friends, partners, health professionals and interested members of the public. While the organisation's name is the Schizophrenia Fellowship, they provide services and support for everyone with a mental illness.

Serenity NSW
Provides a network of self-help support groups for anxiety disorders and mild depression.

GROW NSW
Support groups based on a 12-step self-help program for people suffering anxiety, depression or other mental or emotional distress.

ARAFMI NSW
Provides support groups for carers, family and friends of the mentally ill.

Carers NSW
Provides information, referrals, advice and support for carers.