What's on in ACT

Here you will find support groups, workshops, and activities specifically set up for people with depression, their carers, family members and friends. If a phone number is provided, please be sure to call first to verify details.

Noticeboard

Support Groups

Try contacting your local community centre, council or mental health service for appropriate support groups in your area.

OCD Support Group
Confidential discussion, support & speakers. Friends and relatives are welcome
Where: Foundation Office, 42 Townshend St, Phillip.
When: Meets the first Tuesday of each month, 7.30 - 9.00pm    
Contact: Mental Health Foundation (02) 6282 6658

Workshops/Activities/Courses/Programs

Art for better mental health
Learn to paint and draw in a friendly and supportive environment. Open art ACT is a program of the Belconnen Community Centre that aims to promote and support mental health within the community. Open Art Is funded by the ACT Department of Health and Community Care.
Where: Classes held in the Griffin Centre - Room 9 in Canberra City
When: Tuesday from 3pm –5pm during school terms.
Contact: John Vance on (02) 6264 0232.

Mental Health First Aid Course
This is an 8 hour course designed to improve one's mental health literacy about the main mental health problems of depression, anxiety disorders and alcohol & drug disorders.
Topics include: knowledge about the signs and symptoms, the evidence-based treatments available, where & how to get these treatments, and how to give initial help to someone experiencing the mental health crisis of suicidal thoughts/behaviours; a panic attack or an acute psychotic episode.
Where: Your worksite or the Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University.
Cost: Free of charge (funded by ACT Dept Health & Community Care).
Contact: Betty Kitchener, Program Manager, Mental Health First Aid, Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University. Ph: (02) 6125 9724 or (02) 6125 2741.

Open Art - ACT
Designed to support and promote good mental health in the community, the Open Art Program includes integrated classes to help educate the community, reduce isolation and break down stigmas around mental health.  Programs include: painting, sculpture, clay, sewing, mosaic, drama, printing, creative writing, music, etc. Expert art tutors are available to assist you in this friendly and supportive environment.
Where: Belconnen Community Centre, Tuggeranong Community Arts Centre and Tuggeranong Community Centre
Cost: $30 per course per term.
Contact: Richard on (02) 6264 0249 or email This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

For carers, family members and friends

Carers, Family and Friends Links 

VYNE - Vision across the Years through Networking and Education
VYNE operates within a health promoting framework with an emphasis on building resilience and community capacity.