Brisbane Schizophrenia Support Group
The Brisbane Schizophrenia Support Group offers free ongoing support for people who hear voices and/or experience paranoid thoughts.
The group aims to provide:
- A safe, caring & non-judgemental environment
- Opportunity to socialise with people who have had similar experiences
- Confidential fortnightly meeting
- Facilitation and professional input from a trained therapist.
Do I have to register to attend the group?
You do not have to register in advance. You can come along with out registering. We invite people to register online, so that we can plan for the meeting and send out reminders.
If you come along to the group, we will collect some basic details including:
- Your first and last name (so we can say your name when we are talking to you)
- Your mobile and email, so we can send out reminders of the next group meeting (and also updates of the meeting is cancelled or moved or rescheduled)
- Ideally an emergency contact and their mobile number
You can register yourself in advance through the Brisbane Schizophrenia Support Group booking page.
We aim to send out reminders of the next meeting (an email with the details and an SMS so we can plan for numbers for afternoon tea).
Where does the Brisbane Schizophrenia Support Group meet?
The group meets at the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre, 976 Brunswick Street, New Farm.
When does the Brisbane Schizophrenia Support Group meet?
The group meets every second Monday.
How much does it cost to join the group and attend meetings? (Spoiler alert ... its free)
There is no charge for joing the group and no charge for attending meetings. The facilitators volunteer their time to support the group.
Is afternoon tea provided?
Yes, Communify New Farm Neighbourhood Centre, who are generously providing the community hall where we meet, are also providing a modest afternoon tea.
What are the Brisbane Schizophrenia Support Group meeting dates for 2024 and 2025?
The group has been meeting during 2023 and 2024. The planned dates for 2024 and 2025 are as follows:
Monday, 18 November 2024 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 2 December 2024 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 16 December 2024 1:30PM to 3:30PM
[Not meeting during Christmas & New Year period]
Also note the slight shift in dates for 2025, strategically avoid 4 public holidays!
Monday, 6 January 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 20 January 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 3 February 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 17 February 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 3 March 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 17 March 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 31 March 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 14 April 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 28 April 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 12 May 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 26 May 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 9 June 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 23 June 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 7 July 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 21 July 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 4 August 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 18 August 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 1 September 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 15 September 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 29 September 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 13 October 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 27 October 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 10 November 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 24 November 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Monday, 8 December 2025 1:30PM to 3:30PM
Who can attend the Brisbane Schizophrenia Support Group ?
The group is intended for people who experience paranoia or hearing voices.
What typically happens during a support group meeting?
Ultimatly the support group decides what happens. A typical group meeting would begin by welcoming new and returning members. Group rules, to provide a safe and inclusive experince for members would be confirmed. Attendes would have the chance to “check-in” and share their current experiences and hear from other group members. Members would have the opportunity to further explore experinces and approaches for a given topic of interest. An informal afternoon tea follows.
How do I join the Brisbane Schizophrenia Support Group?
Just come along! Its an open group. Members can attend when they wish and are able.
That said, regular attendance by members helps build a sense group alliance. Still, it is understood that individual’s physical and mental health may prevent them attending group from time to time. Basically, come along when you want to.
Is it okay if I can't make every meeting?
Yes! Its an open group. It is fine for people to join any time. We understand that you may not attend every meeting, for all sorts of reasons. Please come when you are able.
Of coarse regular attendees tend to get more from the group, so expect us to be both encouraging of you coming to our next meetings AND understanding that other stuff is happening in your life.
How do I get to the support group?
Bus 196 stops right outside the New Farm Neighbourhood Centre at 967 Brunswick St.
Bus 199 passes by the Brunswick St & Merthyr Rd intersection (a few blocks away), and Bus 195 runs during peak time only.
The New Farm Ferry Terminal is also just a few blocks away.
There is some street parking nearby, although be advised there is no onsite parking.
Who are the facilitators of the support group?
Hi I’m Peter. I have a special interest in working with people who hear voices and/or experience paranoid thoughts. I currently work as a private practice psychologist in New Farm and also I facilitate a compassion group at a near by mental health clinic. As a member of the International Association of Maastricht Alternative Approach Practitioners, my approach is one of working with and making sense of voices and thoughts so that individuals can work towards recovery in their own ways. I love walking and cycling around Brisbane. You can read more about me on my Brisbane psychologist website. I look forward to meeting you!
Hi I’m Amy. I have met many incredible people who hear voices through my work in mental health and am looking forward to being a part of this group. I am a Gestalt Therapist and believe everyone deserves spaces to be open and honest about life’s struggles. I find joy in being silly and playful, listening to birds sing and trying to pat every cat I meet (if they let me). I look forward to meeting you!
Is the group for families/carers/parents as well?
The support group is only for people who hear voices and/or experience paranoid thoughts or other symptoms of Schizophrenia.
ARAFMI is a local support organisation that provides support for the relatives and friends of people who experience Schizophrenia.
How do I know if I am suitable for the Brisbane Schizophrenia Support Group?
If you hear voices and/or experience problematic thoughts, and you would like some peer support, you probably are suitable.
Depending on what is happening for you, you might find being in a group challenging or tiring, you might find it a bit daunting to speak about your experiences, that’s okay and perfectly reasonable. The group will try to be as supportive as we can.