Helping people with mental illness and their families and whānau get the most out of life.
able provides various support groups, located throughout Otago, Southland, Central Otago and Waitaki. Support Groups give families and whānau the opportunity to make friends, share information, share stories, listen, have fun, and to be just you.
For more information on any of these groups, please get in touch
It is well understood that mental illness affects more than just the sufferer. The family of a person with the mental illness may experience loss, grief, anger, frustration and much more in dealing with the illness of a family member.
Education and understanding of mental illness are key factors in the recovery process. The more help and support the family member can obtain from those around them, the easier the road to returning to health will be.
CUMI (Children Understanding Mental Illness) is a programme that addresses the needs of primary school age children who have a family/whanau member with a mental illness. This can be undertaken as a group exercise, or parts can be used with individuals using activity-based exercises to aid in the understanding of mental illness in a fun appropriate way.
A referral can be made through our website www.able.org.nz/family-support either through an online form or via a downloadable PDF or by phone on 032181831; one of our Field Workers will be allocated the CUMI recipients.
Is focused on providing support and information to people with a loved one suffering from an eating disorder.
Coming together to discuss experiences, share ideas and develop strategies for coping, the Families/Friends Understanding Disordered Eating Group offers a way to connect with those dealing with similar issues.
NEXT MEETING
25 February 2021
Theme: First meeting of the year to discuss the year ahead
Able Dunedin Office
5.30pm - 7.30pm
PH: 455 5973
(This group is not for the person suffering from the eating disorder, but their family/whanau.)
able regularly organises speakers and discussion events on a range of mental health topics and issues for people who have a family member with mental illness. These meetings also offer people a chance to share experiences and build support networks.
This informal group now meets monthly - separated into a "Support" month and an "Education" month.
Support Month is where a group of people who have a loved one with mental health issues can connect with others in a similar situation. It will be an opportunity to give and receive peer support.
Education Month is where a speaker or discussion event is organised on a range of mental health topics.
NEXT MEETING - SUPPORT MONTH
11 February 2021
Due to Covid 19 if you have been in contact with someone who has Covid, been travelling, are awaiting a Covid test result or are feeling unwell please stay at home.
NEXT MEETING - EDUCATION MONTH
11 March 2021
TOPIC:
SPEAKER:
Able Dunedin Office
6.30pm - 8.30pm
An informal group for people of all ages, the Weekly Peer Support offers friendship and conversation for those with a family member with mental illness.
Depending on where the waling group is heading they either leave from the able Dunedin office or meet at the venue.
(Formally known as Weekly Walking Group)
The Men’s Group is a down-to-earth forum for men of all ages who are caring for someone with a mental illness.
Designed to provide support and information to men affected by a loved one with mental illness, this is group for men to speak about their experiences, find answers and strength by connecting with other men facing the same kind of challenges.
NEXT MEETING
4 March 2021
Theme: First meeting of the year to discuss the year ahead
Able Dunedin Office
7.00pm - 9.00pm
PH: 455 5973
Do you care for or assist a family member who is suffering from mental illness?
You are not alone.
Would you like to:
* connect with others in a similar situation in a warm, confidential environment?
* Find out more about where to seek advice and support?
* Talk about what you are going through in a judgement-free space?
NEXT MEETINGS
Monday 18 January 2021
Fiordland Community House, Meeting Room
21 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau
12.00 pm
These evenings offer an opportunity for families and those suffering from mental illness to find out what other people had experienced and the support they can receive.
Waves is an 8-week programme that aims to support adults 18+ years old who have been bereaved by suicide.
The programme combines learning about suicide and bereavement with group discussion and support. The group is facilitated by two trained facilitators and supports members to:
Next scheduled programme to be held:
Starting Sunday 28 February 2021
Venue to be confirmed
To register contact Able Invercargill
Phone: 03 218 2100
Email: waves@able.org.nz
Participants must commit to all 8 weeks of the programme
Art Group in Invercargill
Runs fortnightly beginning on Thursday 4 February
1pm - 4pm
For more information contact Able Invercargill 03 218 1832