A new mental health peer support service is now running free weekly sessions in Deniliquin.

Delivered by GROW Australia, it includes face-to-face and online support groups.

The in-person group meets at the Deniliquin Uniting Church on Thursdays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

GROW is community led and run, and works to break down the feeling of isolation, and stigma of mental health issues.

It helps people connect with community and learn from each other, using a program written by members’ combined lived experience of what works for better mental health.

Group members discuss their experiences, and are provided with tools and methods that have worked for thousands of people since the inception of GROW.

GROW NSW and ACT programs team leader Jo Young encourages anyone going through mental health challenges to give these groups a try.

“We alone can make the changes in our lives, but we can’t make them alone,” she said.

“You never know until you try it, so just give it a go.

“I struggled to find the right help for a long time before I found the help I needed in my local GROW group.”

Another service offered by GROW in the area is a ‘Rainbow’ group.

It’s an online group which runs every Tuesday from 5.30pm to 7.30pm specifically for the LGBTIQA+ community.

This group is run by experienced peer leaders from the LGBTIQA+ community, and aims to fill a gap identified in health surveys of the region.

Ms Young said a Murrumbidgee region health needs analysis found that some members of the LGBTIQA+ community found it difficult to find or access appropriate mental health services.

GROW is free, open to everyone over 18 and no referral or diagnosis is needed.

Those interested in either service can call 1800 558 268 or go to grow.org.au to learn more.

• Anyone requiring crisis support can contact Accessline on 1800 800 944, Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14, BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Resources are also available at www.denimentalhealth.org.au.

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