The Geelong Mood Support Group Inc., formerly the Geelong Bipolar Support Group Inc., came about through an open public meeting which was facilitated by the Barwon Psychiatric Resource Centre in November 1989.
For the first five years, the Group rented the Barwon Psychiatric Resource Centre’s hall for the night-time monthly meetings and was located at 117 Myers Street, Geelong.
Due to the increased need to have our own premises, paid staff, communication assets and equipment a joint proposal with the Schizophrenia Fellowship Geelong Branch Inc. was submitted to the Government’s Health and Community Services Department.
The proposal was successful and in November 1994 we received recurrent and establishment funding.
This was initially auspiced through the Joint Support Management Committee (comprising three members each from the Bipolar Support Group, the Schizophrenia Fellowship and two independent members).
From 28 January, 1996 both groups received direct funding thus allowing better budgeting control and more cost effective communication channels.
On 21 October, 1995 the Geelong Bipolar Support Group held its first ever seminar and bi-monthly support luncheon in addition to the monthly general meeting which were held at night. With increased membership we soon outgrew our Myers Street premises and were looking for something larger and more homely.
We moved into 139 Yarra Street, Geelong, in July 1998. The Yarra St. premises served us well for a number of years, but once again we outgrew the capacity of the premises.
We moved to our current premises at 284 LaTrobe Tce. Newtown on the 18th February 2008. The new premises are not only larger but also more functional than was Yarra St.
We can now more adequately cater for our increasing number of Activities and Interest Groups The centre aims to provide members with a welcoming, non-clinical environment for members to enjoy throughout the week.
Members can relax with a cup of tea and chat to others in an informal manner or they can participate in a range of activities varying from tennis to Spanish.
The philosophy of the organisation has always been around sharing and caring for people with mental illnesses their families, carers and friends and all are welcome to be a part of our Group.
Our monthly contacts have risen from about 30 per month in 1996 to currently around 500 per month.
The “Rollercoaster” newsletter has been in print for over six years, and from Issue 13 onwards it has been produced and printed wholly within the Group with invaluable assistance from our volunteers.
Also over 10,000 educational pamphlets have been distributed since starting out in 1989.
Many hundreds of education presentations have been made, including consumer education to community groups and schools throughout the Geelong region.
The Geelong Mood Support Group liaises and refers with all like agencies/groups in the Barwon Region and with other mood groups throughout Australia and overseas.
We receive referrals from other agencies, General Practitioners, Psychologists, Clergy, Psychiatric Services and from consumers.
We hope in the future to work more with our community education program, as well as, of course, continuing to give good service to people with affective disorders and their carers.
March 3, 2008
