What You Should Expect

• Meets most months for 1½-2 hour sessions free of charge.
• Designed for loved ones (18 and over) of individuals living with mental illness.
• Facilitated by a trained team of family members of individuals living with mental illness.
• Confidential -- share as much or as little personal information as you want.
• Do not recommend or endorse any medications or other medical therapies for your family member.
• • Guided by Principles of Support.

The support group can offer you practical advice on addressing issues related to mental illness and your loved one. It also gives you the appropriate space to have your personal needs met so that you can provide the best possible care for your family member. Taking time to voice your experiences and to hear from others may help you develop your inner reserves of strength. You may gain confidence in your ability to cope with your family member’s mental illness as well as local knowledge on how to best access needed services for your family member.

At each meeting, you review the Group Guidelines and Principles of Support and update the group on the current events in your life, then spend the bulk of the meeting in group discussion, or ‘group work’. The group addresses urgent issues of its members and participants share their learned experience or group wisdom. As a participant, your voice is heard, and you can contribute to a dynamic that encourages empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community.

Age Groups	Children Adolescents Adults
Community Services	Family & Support Services Family Support

Last Updated: 04/26/24