NAMI SUPPORT GROUPS FOR CAREGIVERS

We welcome family members, friends and other caregivers caring for persons with mental illness who share common problems which arise from mental illnesses. NAMI support groups for caregivers around the state  can provide understanding, comfort, hope and help for family members, friends and other caregivers.

We provide a secure nonjudgmental environment where caregivers can discuss concerns and benefit from the collective knowledge and experience from one another.

“Using the support group model is so essential to the success of our family support groups. Without the training, networking, and support of the group members I fear that support groups would become nothing more than “cry” sessions or “gripe” sessions.  As a group the collective wisdom covered a lot of possibilities towards the issues.“

It’s advisable to attend more than one group so you can find one where you feel comfortable sharing. Before attending the first meeting you should contact the group facilitator to confirm the meeting date, time, and location as information changes.  You may also ask for more information about the support group, i.e., the composition, size and group dynamic.

To find the one closest to your area see the complete list below, contact your local NAMI affiliate, call the NAMI Mass office at 800-370-9085 or email info@namimass.org.

Meeting Unmet Needs of Families of Persons with Mental Illness: Evaluation of a Family Peer Support Helpline (PDF)

Here is a picture of the 2013 class of NAMI Family Support Group Train the Trainer graduates. Third row and on the far left is Karen McGravey-Gajera, a NAMI Family Support Group Trainer for Massachusetts!