Support group and information for mental health carers
Anyone who is caring for or supporting someone with a major mental illness is being welcomed to come along to the next meeting of the Golden Bay Carer Support Group on the afternoon of Monday 23 March.
Supporting Families in Mental Illness (SF), based in Nelson, provides a fieldworker service to family and whanau in Golden Bay. Motueka fieldworker Renee Alleyne visits the Bay on a monthly basis to meet with family members, and also offers support via email and phone.
Support is also offered through the facilitation of Carer Support Groups, one of which has been running in Golden Bay for over a year. Group members can develop supportive relationships, helping to reduce the isolation often experienced by people who have mental illness in their family.
SF exists to serve and support families/whanau and carers of those who have, or may be developing, a major mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or other allied disorders.
Renee can also offer information about mental health services in Nelson Bays, consumer and family rights and education about mental illnesses. The Motueka and Nelson offices also have a range of books, DVDs and pamphlets available for loan. The SF Motueka office is situated in the Community House on Decks Reserve, on the edge of the Information Centre car park in the middle of Motueka township.
If you are interested in attending the meeting, contact Renee, who will be in Golden Bay on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 March. Appointments can be made with her by phoning 03 528 7790, or emailing her on <renee@sfnelson.org.nz>.
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