ConnectGroups links members of the community to groups that deal with a wide range of life-affecting issues. This information is accessible free of charge via our Online Directory at www.connectgroups.org.au., by telephoning the office, or by contacting us via e-mail on info@connectgroups.org.au. On average, the organisation receives in excess of three and a half thousand enquiries every month through its internet and office contacts. Our web-site also contains an e-newsletter and members, related organisations and interested members of the public are encouraged to read and contribute to it.
Further, our core business sees us working with support and self-help groups from their inception to their incorporation. As such we are aware of the changing nature and needs of groups and the individuals within them, and the totality of these needs over time. As the peak body for support and self-help groups in WA our role encompasses providing assistance for our members at every stage of their development and ensuring their requirements are met with expertise and timeliness, both from a group and individual consumer perspective.
Over the years we have helped set up many self-help and support groups such as:
• GenWHY? a support group for young people suffering from depression, bi-polar and other mental illnesses. Help for this group extended assistance with research into best practice, initial group facilitation and help with acquiring funding for a trained facilitator to manage the group.
• The St Michael’s Sunshiners Support Group: a support group in the northern suburbs for individuals struggling with mental illness.
• Take Control of Your Life (TCOYL): a support group specifically for those who self-harm. ( http://www.freewebs.com/helpinghand22/ ).
These have been consumer initiated support groups and reflect the reality that ConnectGroups is a consumer driven association. In each case ConnectGroups has acted as a “facilitator: to empower the groups to help themselves help others.
In 2009 ConnectGroups formed partnerships with the Australian National University e-hub and Blue Pages and Collective Support – Bridging the Gap, Building Communities in order to refer clients to online support groups and services for depression and other mental illnesses. These services are particularly valuable for rural and remote consumers, and those suffering from mobility issues. (Please see the interactive tab on this website),
