New GROW group in Kinnegad

The pressures of modern life mean that many people find themselves struggling to cope with a variety of challenges. This can cause issues in terms of mental health and well-being, and many people are unaware of how to help themselves or where to find support.

However, a new support group, hosted by Ireland’s largest community-based mental health support organisation, GROW, to address those concerns is commencing in Kinnegad on Tuesday September 17.

The meetings will take place in the Eastwae Venue, Eastwae Retail Centre, Main Street, Kinnegad at 6pm and are open to all in the region to attend.

Area co-ordinator, Louise Smith, who is organising the meetings, outlined how the meetings can benefit people in the local community.

“What is unique about GROW is that it is a community-based organisation that provides support and education around emotional and mental wellbeing through weekly free meetings.

“These meetings provide mutual help, understanding and encouragement to those who are struggling with any aspect of mental health – from depression to stress, anxiety, loneliness or isolation and to those experiencing financial and physical difficulties,” said Louise.

GROW, which is celebrating 50 years in Ireland, operates a programme of recovery which is designed for people to take back control of their lives, overcome obstacles and start living a life full of meaning, hope and optimism.

Its principal strength is the support its members give to each other, drawing on their own successful experiences of recovery.

There are currently 130 groups across the country – including in Mullingar, Tuesdays at 7.30pm in the 1428 Club at 2 Harbour Street; and Kilbeggan, Tuesdays at 2.30pm in the library – where members help each other on the road to recovery.

International research on GROW’s group method shows that “over a period of time they need significantly less professional help and have less chance of relapse. They are significantly more likely to be in employment and will have wider support networks. They are also more likely to reduce, or dispense with, medication”.