Blue Mountains Support Groups
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Sunday
Blue Mountains Bipolar Support Group
During COVID-19 restrictions, all meetings are held via zoom. New members will be accepted once restrictions are lifted and meetings are held in person again.
1 pm to 3 pm
Every 3rd Sunday of the month
Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre
9 New Street, Lawson
People with Biploar and/or carers are welcome. You are welcome to attend fortnightly, monthly, or just pop in when you feel you need a little support.
Contact: Text Kirsty on 0433 204 041
http://www.bipolaraustralia.org.au/services-directory/7422/blue-mountains-bipolar-support-group/
Monday
READ for Wellbeing
As at 24 August this group continues to meet face-to-face
3 pm to 4 pm
Eevery Monday
Springwood Drop In Centre
3/163 Macquarie Road, Springwood.
A short story is read and discussed in a relaxed and informal setting in the Drop in Centre lounge.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a small plate to share with the group, tea, coffee and biscuits are provided free of charge. Newcomers are welcome at any time, please call the centre if you can to advise of your intention to come, otherwise it is fine to drop in
Contact: (02) 8843 2545; springwood@ccss.org.au
Steps to Healing
This group is currently meeting face-to-face.
10 am to 12 pm
Every Tuesday (during school terms)
Koolyangarra Aboriginal Family Centre
1 Kington Place, Cranebrook
Steps to Healing is a friendly space where Aboriginal people can come together to share stories and make connections through healing and culture.
This group is for anyone who has been through hard times, when daily life is a struggle.
Together we will make room for Connection, Hope, Identity, and Empowerment.
Transport, morning tea and light lunch provided. Bookings for transport essential.
Please contact Bronwyn on 02 4706 0280 or 0439 455 139 for more information or to book transport.
Be SMART
This group is currently meeting face-to-face.
12.30 to 2pm
Every Tuesday (during school terms)
Koolyangarra Aboriginal Family Centre
1 Kington Place, Cranebrook.
Transport and afternoon tea provided.
SMART (Self Management and Recovery Training) Recovery is a free group program assisting people with any problematic behaviours, including addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, Internet and others. Guided by trained workers, you will learn a range of tools to manage what you are struggling with and to motivate you.
This group is for Aboriginal community members only and is run by Aboriginal facilitators
For more info contact: Bronwyn on 4706 0280 / 0439 455 139;
bronwyn@nepeancommunity.org.au
Pathways
This group meets face to face in a COVID-SAFE way.
6pm to 8pm
Every 2nd Tuesday of every month
Salvation Army Freedom Centre
Corner of 2/54 Henry Street and Evans Street, Penrith.
The car park and Freedom Centre are on the corner of Henry and Evans Streets.
The entry is via the back of the building through the garage door on the far right of the building. Not through the front entrance.
A support group for families and carers of people who have problems with drug or alcohol use.
This group provides a free confidential and safe place for anyone who may be supporting someone with a drug or alcohol issue. Family Drug Support has been providing specialist support and care for over 18years to families coping with isolation helplessness shame and stigma.
For more information contact: Julie on 0400 113 422 or at julie@fds.ngo.org.au
Wednesday
Springwood Community Garden - Working Bees
The Working Bees are continuing to operate during COVID-19
From 9.30 am
Every Wednesday and Saturday morning
Springwood Community Garden
168 Hawkesbury Road, Springwood
We have working bees on-site from 9.30am every Wednesday and Saturday morning. Meetings are held at 7.30 pm on the 2nd Wedneday of the month at the Drop-In Centre.
For further information call CatholicCare Springwood Drop-In Centre on 8843 2545 or visit us at 3/163 Macquarie Road Springwood.
Raising Kin
a support group for grandparents, relatives and kinship carer
As at 2 August 2020, this group is meeting with physical distancing and following "Covid Safe" guidelines.
10 am to 12 pm
Every 1st Wednesday of the month
during school terms
The Hub Meeting Room 1
Macquarie Street, Springwood
RSVP or for more info: Call Jenny on 0450 001 393
Finding Your Way - Peer support around NDIS, My Aged Care, Centrelink and Other Organisations and Services
During COVID-19 the group is operating via the Virtual Community Room
For details on how to join pleae email: kpollock@belongbm.org.au
10 am to 12 noon
Every 2nd Wednesday of the month
Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre
9 New Street, Lawson
Come along and join our Peer Support Group to share stories,discuss goals, learn about your rights and find ways to prepare for and manage the NDIS.
Register/More info: 4759 2592; kpollock@belongbm.org.au
Aboriginal Men's Group
This group is currently meeting face-to-face.
10 am to 12 pm
Fortnightly on Wednesdays
Koolyangarra Aboriginal Family Centre
1 Kington Place, Cranebrook
Join for a yarn up and tell us what nyou would like to get out of our men's group.
Contact Dave on 02 4706 0280 or 0467 494 196
Mental Health & Wellbeing Support Group
From 2 Sep 2020 this group is meeting face-to-face but due to COVID room restrictions you need to RSVP before attending
1.30 pm to 3.30 pm
Every 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month during school terms
The Hub, Meeting Room 1
104-108 Macquarie Road, Springwood
For anyone with a lived experience of mental health issues. This group combines a mix of guest speakers, peer support, and artistic activities.
(Formally Peers in Recovery and Artscope)
Contact: Imelda on (02) 4751 3033 to RSVP for more information.
Thursday
Men's Walking Group
Meet at 9 am
Every 4th Thursday of the month (except January and December)
Upper Carpark at 4 Lewin Street
Springwood Uniting Church
The group mainly consists of retired men, but others are welcome.
For more info please contact Keith on 4754 3406
ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Support & Social Group
As at 24 August 2020 this group is continuing to meet via zoom
10 am to 12 pm
First Thursday each month
Mid Mountains Neighbourhood Centre,
9 New Street, Lawson
Enquiries: 4759 2592; cfsbluemountains@gmail.com
Thursday (ctd)
Penrith Carer Support Group
10 am to 12 pm
First Thursday each month
Headspace Penrith,
Ground Floor, 606 High Street
For further information or to register please contact: Renee on 0411 536 328
Hawkesbury Mental Health Carer Support Group
10 am to 12 pm
ThirdThursday each month
Rozzoli Room, Windsor Library,
300 George Street, Windsor
The group meets for tea and coffee, to chat, share stories and learn from regular guest speakers.
Contact: 8880 8160 or fcmhinfonbm@parramattamission.org.au
Lithgow Carer Support Group
1 pm to 3 pm, every 4th Thursday of the month
Lithgow LIbrary
157 Main Street, Lithgow
For further information please contact: Family and Carer Mental Health Program
Phone: 8880 8160 or email: fcmhinfonbm@parramattamission.org.au
Girls with Autism
You're not alone
This group continues to meet but because of COVID restrictions, the group numbers are limited and strict protocols are in place in the youth centre.
6 pm to 8 pm
Every Thursday during school terms
MYST Springwood Youth Centre
59 Springwood Avenue, Springwood
A group for girls with autism ages 14 to 24 to get togeher, have some fun, talk about our lives and listen to others.
This group is not a free activity but is an NDIS funded group. Participants need to have NDIS funding to attend the group.
Before attending, interested participants need to make contact and fill out a referral form prior to the start of the term.
Contact: 4760 4642 or email helen@ble2.net.au or express your interest online at https://able2.net.au/girls-with-autism-gwa/
Tanderra OOSH,
Raymond Street, Springwood
More info: 4751 3033 or reception@sncc.org.au
rers 10.15 am to 1 pm
Last Friday of each month
Blue Mountains Women's Health & Resource Centre,
124 Lurline Street, Katoomba
A free group for women who are looking after someone with mental health issues.
Saturday
Springwood Community Garden - Working Bees
The Working Bees are continuing to operate during COVID-19
From 9.30 am
Every Wednesday and Saturday morning
Springwood Community Garden
168 Hawkesbury Road, Springwood
We have working bees on-site from 9.30am every Wednesday and Saturday morning. Meetings are held at 7.30 pm on the 2nd Wedneday of the month at the Drop-In Centre.
For further information call CatholicCare Springwood Drop-In Centre on 8843 2545 or visit us at 3/163 Macquarie Road Springwood.
Mental Health Support Group
1 to 3 pm
First Saturday of each month
Mid Mountains Hub
9 New Street, Lawson
During COVID-19 group is being held via the Virtual Community Room
Text or email Tash for details of how to join or for more info: natashasimon.mh@gmail.com.
This group is for people who are living with a mental health issue and the people who support them. It is a safe place to share stories, talk strategies and gaininsight and understanding of mental health. It is a place to give and gain support and build connections.
Contact Natasha by text on 0421 774 342 or by email at natashasimon.mh@gmail.com.
Springwood Anxiety Support Group
Due to COVID-19, no meeting in August, but resuming from 26 September 2020
10 am to 12 pm
Every 4th Saturday of the month
Springwood Uniting Church (enter from first door to the right)
4 Lewin Street, Springwood
WayAhead’s Springwood Anxiety Support Group is run by Colin and Thomas and the groups are usually comprised of a small number of people who come together to share personal experiences and information in a safe, friendly and supportive environment.
Cost: Free and no need to book attendance
http://understandinganxiety.wayahead.org.au/springwood-anxiety-support-group/