SADAG hosts free training webinar series
SADAG provides step-by-step guidance and training to new support group leaders. The conference is taking place on Wednesdays from June 1 to July 6.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is hosting a free online support group leader training conference series.
SADAG provides approximately 160 support groups across the country that deal with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic illness, and bipolar disorder, as well as family and loved one outreach programmes.
The focus of this programme is to not only raise awareness of support groups but also to start new support groups across the country and give aftercare to individuals who require additional assistance.
The training is conducted online and consists of six sessions, each followed by exams to measure learning and preparation to lead a support group, as well as practical exercises to provide a first-hand understanding of what it takes to administer a support group.
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SADAG support group leader Lindiwe Nkolombe said the aim of the support group is to help individuals realise that they are not alone regardless of the situation they are facing. Members feel understood because they are not alone in their experiences.
“A support group shouldn’t replace your usual medical care, but can be a valuable resource to help you cope, manage and maintain your mental health,” Nkolobe said.
According to Alexandra Wallis, one of three South Africans is affected by mental illness. Many individuals are unaware of where to seek treatment or how to regulate their mental health. Support groups are a wonderful method to remind ourselves that there is always hope and that we are not alone.
“It’s sometimes enough to simply attend a meeting with others who are on a similar path. It’s not always about sharing your own story, but it might help to know that you’re not alone in your suffering,” Willis explained.
Benefits of the support groups:
• They offer a sense of stability and security, as well as a feeling of being respected, developed, and cared.
• It is the first place you can go where everyone knows what you’re going through, and no one will judge you.
• Within the group, there is a code of confidentiality, and member privacy and dignity are honoured.
• A group can give you hope by allowing you to spend time with people who have recovered.
• Everyone has the freedom to call on the collective strength as needed and to extend that strength to others when possible.
• Information and education are exchanged and gained through group conversations.
The lectures will be held every Wednesday from June 1 to July 6:
Part 1: June 1, 10:00 to 11:00
Part 2: June 8, 10:00 to 11:00
Part 3: June 15, 10:00 to 11:00
Part 4: June 22, 10:00 to 11:00
Part 5: June 29, 10:00 to 11:00
Part 6: July 6, 10:00 to 11:00
If you or someone you know wants to begin a mental health support group, kindly register for part 1 of the lecture series “An introduction to support groups” at https://bit.ly/ISGLT22 or email SupportGroups@anxiety.org.za
For more information, contact Kayla Phillips at media@anxiety.org.za/083 333 7750 or Tracy Mukuta at research@anxiety.org.za/ 074 379 8708.
