The Rotary Club of Ringwood is one of the many Rotary clubs that form District 9810 covering Melbourne’s eastern and southeastern suburbs.

Tonight’s Rotary meeting included a speaker from GROW, a peer support program for people with mental illnesses. The organisation was formed in 1957 as a community based mental health movement organised and led by people who have experienced mental health issues. GROW consists of a network of over 300 local groups, including Box Hill, Ringwood and Lilydale. The groups meet on a weekly basis for a two hour duration and provide mutual support for members.

GROW has recently initiated a new project known as GROW – Better Together. This program, which received funding through the Federal Government, provides peer support for Carers of someone with a mental illness. The initiative provides an opportunity for carers to discuss their situations and challenges with other cares and provide mutual support. Like GROW, the GROW – Better Together program meets on a weekly basis for a two hour duration. A GROW – Better Together group has been meeting at Ringwood since February this year at the Eastern Access Community Health (EACH) offices in Warrandyte Road.

GROW is a unique organisation focused on mutual support and self help, for more information on please visit www.grow.net.au.