Family/Whānau Support Groups

Able Minds provides various Whānau Support Groups, located throughout Otago, Southland, Central Otago and Waitaki. Our Support Groups give families and whānau the opportunity to make friends, share information, share stories, listen, have fun, and to just be you.

Families/Friends Understanding Disordered Eating

Focused on providing support and information to people with a loved one experiencing an eating disorder. Whānau members come together to discuss experiences, share ideas, listen to experts and develop strategies for coping. The Families/Friends Understanding Disordered Eating Group offers a way to connect with those dealing with similar issues.

Meets: Third Wednesday of the month evenings 5.30pm to 7.00pm

Education and Support Group

Whānau of Tangata Whaiora join together to hear from guest speakers on topics relating to mental health and addiction and are equally called upon to advocate on behalf of Tangata Whaiora to Southern District Health Board. These meetings also offer people a chance to share experiences and build support networks.

Meets: Every 2nd Thursday of the month 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm 

Weekly Peer Support Group

This is an informal support group for whānau members (of all ages) of Tangata Whaiora. Our Weekly Peer Support offers friendship, conversation and social interaction.

Meets: Weekly on Wednesdays 1.00pm to 3.00pm, venue confirmed by facilitator. 

Alexandra Grief and Loss Support

For anyone experiencing grief/loss ie. a relationship breakup, loss of health, long Covid, loss of employment/income, loss of a pet, placing a loved one into long term care, or any experience that has caused loss/grief.

Able Minds is happy to welcome you to their office at 28 Ashworth Street, Alexandra, on Thursdays between 10am and 12pm. 

Parents & Carers Support Group

This group is for primary carers who have children living with them and are navigating supporting someone with mental distress/illness and or addiction. The group members support each other by talking and listening to each other. Members will have the opportunity to hear from other relevant services to help them support the children in their care better, as well as useful resources from the facilitator.
Members will not be in a mental health crisis themselves or using the group to manage their illness but struggling as a parent and a support person and looking for support from other parents in similar situations.

Meets: First Tuesday of every month @ 1.00pm - 2.45pm

Invercargill Peer Support

Wider family/whānau and tangata whaiora combine in the following groups:

* Walking Group

* Collective Creators Craft Group

* Cuppa and Chat Group