Changes to ADAVIC Support Groups
Like many organisations, since the outbreak of COVID-19 we’ve had to make some changes to the way we run some of our services, which includes support groups.
ADAVIC was already preparing to launch online support groups in 2021, however COVID-19 has fast-tracked this significantly. The health and safety of our volunteers and attendees are our number one priority, so despite the easing of some restrictions recently, we have made the decision to run online support groups in replacement of our previous face to face groups for the foreseeable future. We anticipate a return to face to face groups post-pandemic, however going forward ADAVIC will also be looking to provide additional online support groups for our community.
About ADAVIC Support groups
A support group allows people to express their feelings and provides a forum for discussion in a safe and confidential environment, among peers. Groups are guided by facilitators who assist in directing discussions and can provide insight and understanding in regards to issues raised.
• An ADAVIC group IS a place for community discussion, support and sharing of ideas.
• An ADAVIC group IS NOT a place for therapy or crisis intervention.
There are no set topics at an ADAVIC Support Group. The groups are informal in structure, but in a typical meeting, discussions may focus on a wide-range of topics such as:
• How these experiences can affect one's life
• Comparing strategies and coping skills
• Comparing symptoms
• Opinions on medication
• Requesting help with frustrations and "roadblocks" on the path of recovery
• The stigma of mental health issues
Groups are facilitated by ADAVIC volunteers who have undertaken facilitator training. Many have had their own personal experiences with anxiety, depression and related disorders. Others are in-training psychologists or counselors.
What do I need to do to register?
You can reserve your spot in an ADAVIC online support group by clicking on the following link: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=628911&
If you are interested in attending a session for the first time, please read the 'Online Support Group Guide and Registration Form' and complete the disclaimer and registration form (found on the last two pages). Please email the completed form to adavic@adavic.org.au. If you decide to continue your attendance, you won't need to complete the form again.
Existing support group members are not required to complete the online registration form.
We do have a strict limit of 11 people per support group, and bookings are essential for securing your spot.
When are groups operating?
Weekly Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7pm to 8.30pm
AGORAPHOBIA ONLINE SUPPORT GROUP
"A support group for people who have lived experience of agoraphobia. The group meets every Tuesday, except for public holidays from 7:00pm – 8:30pm. The group is a safe and supportive space where people can share their experiences, challenges, successes, strengths and resilience. The group will be run by facilitators, some of whom have lived experienced of agoraphobia.
The fee for attending the group is $3.00 and payable to ADAVIC through Trybooking at this direct link: https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=628911&
Meeting time: 7pm to 8.30pm
Cost: $3
Limited to: 11 individuals
Once you have booked you will receive some reading material together with registration and disclaimer form which needs to be completed and signed by you before you can access the group.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email us adavic@adavic.org.au
Agoraphobia Support Group – a word from the Facilitators
My name is Janesse, and some of you may know me from my "Journey through Agoraphobia" writings in the ADAVIC newsletter and on ADAVIC’s website.
I am a co-facilitator of the group and I would like to invite those of you who may be struggling with Agoraphobia to come join us.
The lovely Voula is the lead facilitator and she also has lived experience with Agoraphobia, so we can offer a friendly, safe space to share and support.
We encourage sharing, but you are welcome to come to the group to just listen in if that is more comfortable for you.
The group meets weekly on Tuesdays at 12.30-2pm, and I hope to see you then!
Hello I am Voula and my own experience of attending a support group, in my efforts to overcome agoraphobia many years ago, taught me the value of support groups. Within that group, in a safe and supportive space, people shared their experiences and their wisdom and realised they were not alone. So, I am happy to be one of the group facilitators for the new ADAVIC online Agoraphobia Support Group as I know from personal experience the value of support groups.
I have facilitated groups for many years, and my experience includes teaching creative writing courses, teaching courses in mindfulness and meditation, facilitating a long running anxiety support group for a community house, and more recently facilitating therapeutic support programs in community organisations.
We hope to see you at one of our groups if you need support.
Voula and Janesse
Anna Kouloubos
FOUNDER/MANAGING DIRECTOR
NEW ADAVIC WEBSITE TO BE LAUNCHED IN SEPTEMBER 2020
WATCH THIS SPACE!
NOTICE
In light of COVID-19, ADAVIC has implemented various changes as to how we offer our services.
1. Firstly, we have put in place weekly online support groups via Zoom to replace our face to face support groups. We hope to return to face to face groups. More information about our support groups go to this link:
https://www.adavic.org.au/PG-social-support-support-groups.aspx2. Our phone and email support continues to operate essentially in the same way, except when you ring our office, please leave a message and the office volunteer on shift will receive your message via a recorded email. So please do not hang up, leave a message and your call will be returned. You can also email us with any questions you may have or require support, our volunteers are available currently from Tuesdays to Fridays from 10.30am to 4.00pm.
3. Our Facebook continues to operate as normal from 9.00am to 9.00pm weekdays and 12noon to 6.00pm weekends. If you wish to have a private discussion with one of our friendly admins please message them through the private messaging service. Here is our Facebook link for your information:
https://www.facebook.com/adavic.org.au/4. Our psycho-education sessions for the general public and professional training programs are currently online via zoom.
~The ADAVIC Team~