The Black Dog Institute, in partnership with MLC Community Foundation, is establishing support groups in communities across NSW. The REACH Program is a free 9 week psycho-educational support group (based on the principles of responsibility, education, acceptance, connection and hope) to help participants with depression or bipolar disorder manage their illness and stay well. Topics include fostering strengths, dealing with loss and grief, identifying early warning signs and triggers, wellbeing strategies, nurturing support networks and creating a unique 'Stay Well Plan'.
Eligibility criteria for participants:
Interested in becoming a volunteer Facilitator of the R.E.A.C.H program in your area?
See volunteer with us for details.
Listing of other, non-Black Dog Institute support groups throughout Australia
Casey McDonald is a registered Psychologist with 15 years of experience in mental health. She has worked with children, adolescents and adults in both clinical and research settings. She currently works as a TAFE Counsellor in Tamworth. Casey has also been a Mental Health First Aid course facilitator for 5 years.
Marisa Barnes is a registered Psychologist who works in the Child & Family Allied Health Team at Tamworth Community Health Centre. Marisa has also worked in private practice locally, and is committed to working in the Tamworth region.
Marisa and Casey are passionate about supporting people to reach their potential and maximize their quality of life. Through the R.E.A.C.H program they aim to assist participants to build on their own skills and develop strategies to manage their illness in order to improve wellbeing in difficult times.
Facilitators: Casey McDonald & Marisa Barnes
Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Location: Tamworth Community Health
Express your interest here
Dottie le Roux is an Occupational Therapist working as a mental health rehabilitation coordinator with Hunter New England Community Mental Health Services in the areas around Moree, Inverell and Narrabri. She works with clinicians in the Adult Mental Health Teams to support clients with complex needs and works with community organisations, NGO’s and non-mental health services to develop care plans that provide comprehensive support for persons who prefer to deal with their illness while living in their own communities. She is keen to promote a Recovery Focus on Mental Health through her work with persons with mental illness, their families and those providing a service to them.
Facilitator: Dottie le Roux
Time: 10am – 12 noon
Anne has more than 30 years’ experience working with organisations and individuals to create ways and means to accept and live with stressful times in their lives, whether at work or at home.
In her professional field of organizational change management and leadership development, Anne works as a facilitator, presenter and personal coach internationally and across Australia with organizations such as Qantas, AMP, Fosters, Kmart, Simplot and Government agencies.Anne has several degrees and postgraduate qualifications in law and change management. She has written over 200 publications including books, articles, papers and e-books.
Anne’s personal goal in life is to enable people to have the skills and emotional strength to handle the challenges that life throws our way. In particular, Anne’s warmth, vast experience and wisdom ensures that people feel safe to explore options and experiences and learn more about managing their illness and staying well.
Facilitator: Anne Riches
Time: 6pm – 8pm
Depression and Bipolar Disorder Information Australia - Black Dog Institute.Copyright © 2012 Black Dog Institute
Page last updated: 07-Feb-2012