Learn to Grow your health with Grow at Laois open day

The mental health support organisation Grow is inviting the people of Laois to an open day to learn more about the support they provide.

Grow is a community of people drawn together by our first-hand experiences of mental health challenges. Having found practical ways of helping each other recover from mental health challenges or life struggles they developed The Grow Program.

Michelle McCormick is the Grow Area Coordinator for the Midlands. She outlined more about Grow to the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"Whether you are diagnosed with a mental health challenge, you just simply feel you cannot cope with what life throws at you or you know someone you’d like to help –Grow local and online groups are here for you," she says.

Ms McCormick explains more about the Grow process.

"Group meetings are carried out in a confidential and supportive environment, no introduction is needed, just come along and observe. We meet weekly in locations all over Ireland and online. All our group supports are free for over 18’s, no referral needed, no waiting lists and our meetings are confidential, non-judgemental and carried out in a supportive setting. Furthermore, you’ll be surrounded with people who have had similar lived experiences as you so you are not alone.

"The method we use during group meetings has proven success for the past 55 years. You’re in good hands the Grow Program helps people help themselves to take back control over their lives," she said.

Grow already has three weekly meetings in Laois in Portlaoise, Portarlington and Mountmellick. To let more people know more about what the help they can give, Grow is running an information open day in the MDA in Mountmellick on Saturday, April 11 from 2pm to 4pm. 

Ms McCormick says the day aims to allow the public to meet members of Grow and ask questions and have a chat.

All are welcome if you could RSVP by texting Michelle McCormick 086 4183805 it would be much appreciated.

Minister Sean Fleming will be in attendance as well as Grow’s CEO and a representative for Pippa Hackett. The local Mountmellick African Laois community will be attending as well as local GAA representatives.

The three groups running on Thursdays in Laois are: 

• Mountmellick MDA centre, 2pm Contact Michelle 0864183805
• Portarlington Social Services Venue (opposite the community centre) 2.30pm Contact Assumpta 0868114135
• Portlaoise Parish Centre Heath Room, 7pm Contact Michelle 0864183805