What makes Grow unique

A Community

Grow is not an agency service. It’s a community of people who share an interest in mental health. Members meet in groups with others who have varying degrees of lived experience. As a foundation for learning, they draw on the writings of people who have gone before them and have shared what works for them to stabilise or improve their mental health.

Inexpensive

Attending a Grow group meeting is free or low-cost because private funding covers most expenses, such as room hire and advertising. You may be required to buy ‘The Grow Journey’ book if you join. The book is a handy resource and is often referred to in groups. The only other costs are your transport to and from the group. If it’s an online group, the cost is the internet device and any equipment needed to access the internet.

There are non-financial costs, such as dedication, time, and energy, expected of you to work on your problems or help others work on theirs. If able, members must donate regularly to miscellaneous group costs, such as book subsidies, coffee, tea, and biscuits, to foster community and shared responsibility.

A Program

Grow is a community of peer support and mutual help among friends. We may not have professional qualifications or medical knowledge, but our shared experiences and understanding of the Grow program equip us to lead ordinary, healthy, and happy lives.

A Group

Grow is not a one-on-one counselling service—all our work, whether personal growth or helping others, is conducted in a group setting. We ensure personal safety and member accountability by requiring a minimum of three people for a meeting, which we call a quorum.

Personal Growth

Grow encourages friendship and social activities among its members to promote personal growth. This social emphasis is part of the Grow program and represents a healthy, natural progression in one’s mental health journey. Members who have not experienced Grow often become isolated and withdrawn from ordinary social activities. This behaviour merely compounds the problems and has a detrimental effect on our personalities.

Volunteer-Run

Grow is run by volunteer leaders. Grow offers ample opportunities to volunteer your leadership and help others. Not only do you learn and sometimes get asked to run a group, but you can also be chosen by the group’s members to become the next Recorder or Organiser. Taking on one of these roles is the first rung on the ladder if you decide to commit to Grow for the longer term, and we hope you do. Often, taking on a responsibility like this will boost your personal growth and confidence and prepare you for similar roles within Grow or outside, in areas such as employment or work in other voluntary organisations.

Ongoing Membership

There is no fixed or predetermined term for attending meetings. Grow membership can be brief or ongoing, depending on your needs and what you are prepared to offer. A membership term is often determined by whether you continue to receive help or help others. Long-term membership will often equip and qualify you for leadership roles in Grow.