By Timothy Hillier
As global temperatures and costs of living continue to rise, so too are levels of anxiety. A new support group in Deer Park hopes to ease some of the concerns.
Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria (ARCVic) and Comm Unity Plus are proud to announce the new Anxiety Support Group starting on Wednesday 14 August.
The group is for anyone experiencing persistent anxiety or an anxiety-related condition. Sessions are designed on a model of peer support assisted by set guidelines. These aim to provide emotional support and understanding within a group setting. Participants are encouraged to share their experiences and/or self-help strategies with the group, however this is not compulsory.
Group sessions are generally unstructured but an opening and closing exercise is common during the 1.5-hour meeting. A check-in exercise at the beginning gives participants the chance to reflect on how they’re currently feeling and a grounding exercise or meditation at the end allows participants some quiet time to help centre themselves before the session finishes.
Two facilitators are always on hand to guide the smooth running of group sessions. They are typically psychology students/graduates and those with lived experience of anxiety (or both). All facilitators are volunteers who have undergone extensive training at ARCVic that also involves ongoing supervision and professional development opportunities.
Providing a safe space to listen and share without judgement and connect with others that understand can really help those living with anxiety. ARCVic and Comm Unity Plus encourage anybody who believes this type of group may benefit them to come along.
ARCVic runs similar groups around Melbourne, including one in Footscray.
Deer Park Anxiety Support Group
2nd Wednesday of the month from 6–7:30pm
822 Ballarat Rd DEER PARK VIC 3023
