An inside look at psychosocial support groups

“I’m trying to eat better, exercise more, walk more. These are all things I learnt through the group work at Neami, but I couldn’t put them into practice straight away,” says Rick, who has been attending groups through Neami Western Sydney’s Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative (HASI) program.

Accessing support at the service has helped Rick to make positive lifestyle changes, and the benefits to his overall health and wellbeing are clear.

“You know, I haven’t used (drugs) for a year. I haven’t gambled for nearly two years…I’m starting to realise that I am worthy. I am worthy to have good people in my life. I am worthy, worthy to do good things and do kind things to myself.”

Every week across Neami services, dozens of similar groups bring together people experiencing a broad range of mental health and wellbeing challenges. They provide what’s called psychosocial support through a range of activities, including structured health and wellbeing workshops, social outings and nature.

Participation offers a range of benefits, including providing a safe space for connection, learning and skill development, and supporting health and wellbeing goals with increased confidence.

The support is often long-term – in some cases over several years – giving these groups a unique role in the mental health system, particularly for people with a history of mental health challenges.

For staff running the groups, it’s complex work but inherently rewarding work that requires them to bring diverse professional and lived expertise into the spaces they facilitate.

We spoke to Neami staff around the country, to hear more about their experiences.

Interacting in a group environment comes with challenges for many of us. In a psychosocial support group, this can be amplified by experiences of social anxiety, domestic and family violence, and a mix of different needs among the group.

With time and trust, purposeful sharing among the group can uncover similar experiences and challenges and affirm one another’s strengths.

“People speak of groups giving them purpose and meaning, drive and motivation,” said Kirsty Cleary, Senior Practice Leader at the Strathpine Living and Learning Centre in Queensland. “They’re learning to be around people with different opinions. Even (establishing) group agreements opens a pathway to social connection.”

Kerry, who’s been a participant of Strathpine groups, knows the difference genuine connection in a group setting makes. “I know that when I come here, the groups are extraordinary…because I know that I am valued, that really contributes to my self-worth. I want to come; I want to be here. Even if I cancel other things, I will always be here for Neami because I know that I will feel better,” she said.

Program Coordinator Dee Smith explores respectful physical boundaries and consent with her groups at Neami Perth.

“How to be confident, how to love yourself and respect yourself…that’s what we’re doing. We’re filling that gap. It’s invaluable.”

She supports the group to develop confidence in asserting their rights without being aggressive.  “We talk about ways of making people aware that either you are okay with a hug or you’re not okay with a hug and if somebody doesn’t respect those boundaries, how to avoid that hug,” said Dee.

Dee, formerly a Peer Worker, reflected on the value of bringing a Lived Experience practice to her group facilitation. “A diagnosis doesn’t mean that’s it, you’re done,” she reflected. “I never forget how unwell I’ve been, and when we’re doing group or support work…I can recognise a space that somebody’s in, and I know that this is only temporary for them.”

Peer Worker Rachel Adams, who facilitates groups at Neami Hendon in South Australia, often meets participants in community spaces.

She runs a Wild Wanderers group who explore wellbeing through nature-based activities and walks, and a recovery-focused group called Stepping Stones. Hendon’s well-established arts group also provides opportunity for participants to exhibit their work in a public gallery.

To encourage connection in community, establishing close partnerships with community centres and services is key, says Rachel. This ensures the content delivered in community spaces meets the needs of all involved.

The value of these groups, Rachel says, lies in the feeling of mutual support they create.

“There’s so much mutual support in those spaces, that it’s impossible not to be moved by the sense of belonging and acceptance in the room.”

Some groups run structured workshops and information sessions. These cover topics as diverse as breast and prostate cancer awareness, the physiological symptoms of anxiety and skills to support employment and navigating the workforce.

Kirsty Cleary, who originally studied Health Science and worked in the First Nations health sector, loves the collective learning experience of group work. “I get the giddies when I see consumers learning things,” she said. “I learn things too. Every time I run Neami’s Health Matters program, I learn something new, I have my own revelations.”

The value of mutual connection and learning was a shared sentiment among our staff. Rachel Adams reflected, “when you’ve held space, supported meaningful conversations, and created an environment where people feel safe to open up, there’s a real sense of purpose. Walking away knowing those conversations were beneficial and deeply meaningful for others is incredibly powerful…

“A participant shared something that really stuck with me. They said they’d participated in strengths-based activities before where they were encouraged to reflect on their skills, but this was the first time they’d genuinely believed that they were good at those things. That for me, was the most meaningful feedback I could ever receive.”