Our Support Groups
Connecting with people who are going through a similar experience can be very powerful and a relief to be able to talk openly with people who understand. We are a not-for-profit organisation providing support groups for people bereaved by suicide in the Hawkesbury, Penrith and Blue Mountains local government areas.
Why join a Support Group?
Bereavement associated with suicide is complex because of the combination of trauma and grief. People often experience overwhelming feelings of loss, anger, rejection, blame, remorse, guilt, stigma, isolation, shame, embarrassment and helplessness. Whilst individual therapy is preferred by some, many people choose support group programs because of the level of acceptance, solidarity and support.
Evidence suggests that support from others is key to the effective processing of a significant death and people’s recovery is often encouraged by seeing other people move forward with their lives. Being able to speak openly and share experiences with others without having to modify what they say helps people bereaved by suicide to feel validated, accepted, understand their experience, gain insight, develop support networks, reduce isolation, ‘normalise’ thoughts and feelings and have permission to grieve.
Who can attend & what does it cost?
Our Support Groups are for adults. There are other services available that specialise in assisting young people and children. The Network is happy to connect people with available resources – if required. For people who are having thoughts of suicide or have attempted to end their own lives, we can refer you to other organisations.
What is the right time to attend?
This is a very individual decision. Some people find it helpful to talk to others soon after the death. Others find they are not ready for months or years. The important thing is that you feel free to attend when you are ready. If you are not sure, you can arrange a time to meet with the Facilator of your local support group to discuss further.
How much does it cost?
There is no cost for people to attend, as all operating costs are paid for by The Network.
Location of meetings
The Network provide support groups for adults in theHawkesbury, Penrith and Blue Mountains local government areas.
Our Support groups are located in:
– Windsor
– North Richmond
– Penrith CBD
– Katoomba
How do I join a group?
Step 1:
Call 0402 627 696 to speak with our Support Group Manager, who will take some preliminary details and arrange a meeting for you with your local group Facilitator.
Step 2:
Meet with your local group Facilitator. This gives you the opportunity to share the circumstances of your loss in a confidential manner and allows time for the Facilitator to understand how to support you attending the group for the first time.
Step 3:
Liaise with your local group Facilitator about attending your first group meeting.
The Network provide support groups for adults in theHawkesbury, Penrith and Blue Mountains local government areas.
Our Support groups are located in:
– Windsor
– North Richmond
– Penrith CBD Group 1
– Penrith CBD Group 2
– Blaxland
– Katoomba
How do I join a group?
Step 1:
Call 02 4577 4435 to speak with our Support Group Manager, who will take some preliminary details and arrange a meeting for you with your local group Facilitator.
Step 2:
Meet with your local group Facilitator. This gives you the opportunity to share the circumstances of your loss in a confidential manner and allows time for the Facilitator to understand how to support you attending the group for the first time.
Step 3:
Liaise with your local group Facilitator about attending your first group meeting.
Support Group Guidelines
- Confidentiality is essential. We expect that each person will respect and maintain the confidentiality of the group. What is said in the group is not to be repeated or discussed at any other time or place.
- We are here to share our feelings and experiences; not to give advice.
- We accept people just as they are and we don’t make judgements.
- We give everyone the opportunity to share.
- We will not use offensive language although we do acknowledge that each member may experience a range of emotions including anger.
- We have the right to speak and the right to remain silent, as silence can be healing.
- We give supportive attention to the person who is speaking and avoid side conversations.
- We do not discuss people in the group when they are not present.
- In the meeting there will be laughter and tears and both are okay.
Joining a Network Support Group is easy, just make the call.
Need help urgently
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, Call 000
The mental health access line
For more information on mental health assistance, please Click Here
Help a friend
If you know someone who could benefit from joining one of our support groups, why not share our brochure with them.
