If life is in danger call Triple Zero 000
If life is in danger call Triple Zero 000

Support and Treatment Groups

At Lifeline, we believe we are stronger together. That's why we run various support and treatment groups – to bring people with similar experiences together in a safe and caring environment.

'Everyone was so warm and encouraging; 
they knew exactly how I was feeling.' 

 

Are you supporting someone you love, or need support yourself? 

Whether you've been touched by suicide, are grappling with your moods, a new diagnosis or hoarding, or maybe you're finding it difficult to cope as a new mum, our range of groups can help you feel less alone.

   

Our experienced facilitators will guide you in a safe and supportive setting as you develop your skills, increase your understanding and knowledge, and access treatments and therapies. Held at different times and locations, there's no fee to attend.

  

Be surrounded by people who know what you're going through. 

Find a group for you

Feel free to talk

Are you bereaved by suicide? 

Do you want to be surrounded by people who know what you’re going through? Would you like to be able to talk openly and honestly about your feelings?  

At Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney, we’re not afraid to talk about suicide. We run two different groups that meet you where you are in your loss, so you can feel supported in your grief. 

Which group is for me?

Lifeline H2HS runs two different groups: 

  • an 8-week, structured support program for those (over 18) who have recently been bereaved by suicide 
  • a monthly open group for those grieving because of suicide. 

Both groups are run by experienced facilitators in a safe and comfortable environment where you can discuss your feelings and the experiences associated with your loss. 

Get to know our facilitators 

If you have any questions, please phone 
02 8287 1158 or email groupservices@lifelineh2h.org.au.

Tell me more ...  

Both groups are held at Lifeline H2HS Gordon. 

The support program will run twice in 2024:  

  • from 29 Feb - 18 April 2024 (first group) 
  • from 8 August - 26 Sept 2024 (second group) 
  • face-to-face for two hours 
  • every Thursday at 7pm 
  • no cost, but registration is essential.

The open group runs the first Thursday of every month: 

Think and feel better

Do you want to learn how to manage your thoughts and moods?  

Distressing thoughts and feelings, anxiety and depression, and difficulty with relationships can all make life stressful – but there are skills and strategies that can help.  

Our Managing your mood skills groups are for adolescents (between 14 and 18) and adults who experience emotions strongly and want to change unhelpful behaviour patterns by learning new skills.  

The groups run for 16 weeks at various locations (Gordon, Lindfield, Seaforth and Brookvale). 

Are you looking for a supportive space to increase your skills in: 

  • mindfulness – stay focused on the present moment 
  • emotional regulation – develop coping strategies for intense and negative emotions 
  • distress tolerance – deal effectively with painful emotions and situations 
  • interpersonal effectiveness –communicate assertively and build relationships.  

If you’re interested in the Managing your mood group, you will need to: 

  • live, work or attend school in Northern Sydney or the Northern Beaches 
  • have mild to moderate mental health issues  
  • fall into one of the identified risk groups (see snhn.org.au for further details) 
  • have a referral from your GP and a Mental Health Treatment Plan. 

For more information, please phone the PHN Groups Coordinator on 02 8287 1158.

Managing your mood is thanks to Sydney North Primary Health Network funding.

Tell me more...

The Managing your mood adult groups are held at Lifeline H2HS Gordon and Seaforth Village Community Centre: 

  • 4 Mar – 1 July 2024, at Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney, Gordon
  • 5 Aug - 25 Nov 2024 at Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney, Gordon
  • 4 Mar – 1 July 2024, at Seaforth Village Community Centre
  • 5 Aug - 25 Nov 2024 at Seaforth Village Community Centre
  • on Mondays at 9:30am 
  • for two hours 
  • ​​​no cost but a PHN Triage Referral Form will need to be completed by your GP

There is also a Managing your mood 18 - 25 years group held at Chatswood:

  • 12 Mar – 25 June 2024, at Chatswood
  • 6 Aug - 19 Nov 2024, at Chatswood 
  • on Tuesdays at 5:30pm 
  • for two hours 
  • ​​​no cost but a PHN Triage Referral Form will need to be completed by your GP

  

The Managing your mood adolescent groups are held at two locations. 

Headspace Brookvale 

  • 13 Feb – 18 Jun 2024 at Headspace, Brookvale
  • 30 Jul – 3 Dec 2024 at Headspace, Brookvale
  • on Tuesdays at 5-7pm
  • for two hours 
  • no cost but a PHN Triage Referral Form will need to be completed by your GP

K​YDS Lindfield 

  • 15 Feb – 20 June 2024 at KYDS, Lindfield
  • 1 Aug - 5 Dec 2024 at KYDS, Lindfield 
  • on Thursdays at 5pm 
  • for two hours 
  • no cost but a PHN Triage Referral Form will need to be completed by your GP

​​

Please talk to your GP or email groupservices@lifelineh2h.org.au to register. ​​​​​​​

Support when you need it

Are you looking for strategies to manage depression or bipolar? 

The REACH program is an educational support group developed by the Black Dog Institute.  

Based on the principles of responsibility, education, acceptance, connection and hope, the program helps those with depression or bipolar to manage their illness, stay well and connect with others. 

Is this group for me? 

Are you looking for a supportive space to: 

  • foster your strengths 
  • deepen self-awareness 
  • identify early warning signs and triggers 
  • learn coping and wellbeing strategies 
  • create a wellness plan and support networks.

The REACH program is a psycho-educational support group. Members must be over 18, and there is a screening process to ensure the program is appropriate.

Got a question? Phone 02 8287 1158 or email groupservices@lifelineh2h.org.au.

Tell me more...

The REACH program will be held: 

  • from 24 April – 19 June 2024 - Wednesdays at 5:00pm
  • from 4 Oct – 29 Nov 2024 - Fridays at 10:00am
  • at Lifeline H2HS Gordon 
  • 9 consecutive weeks  
  • for two hours 
  • led by trained facilitators 

Register your interest for this or future programs

We’re not afraid to talk about suicide

Have you survived a suicide attempt? 

The ECLIPSE group is an opportunity to connect with others and learn skills that can help you cope with distressing feelings and thoughts of suicide so you can stay safe. 

A closed, confidential group, everyone starts at the same time to complete the eight weeks together – it’s important you attend all the sessions.

Want to know more? 

Is this group for me? 

As part of the group, it’s important to know:  

  • ECLIPSE is a support group, not therapy 
  • a referral is not needed to attend but the support of a health professional is encouraged 
  • we recommend you have additional support and resources outside the group, such as a counsellor or therapist (we can refer you to an appropriate service) 
  • ECLIPSE formed part of research into support for those considering suicide by the University of New England in collaboration with the Lifeline Research Foundation; feedback from the pilot at Lifeline Mid-Coast was positive 
  • our facilitators are experienced in suicide crisis support, suicide prevention education, and suicide bereavement. 

Still have questions? Call us on 02 8287 1158 and we can help you decide if this group is for you.  

Tell me more...

The ECLIPSE support group will run: 

  • from 20 May – 15 July 2024
  • from 14 Oct - 2 Dec 2024
  • at Lifeline H2HS Gordon 
  • for 8 consecutive weeks  
  • on Mondays at 6pm 
  • for two hours 
  • led by trained facilitators 
  • no cost

The ECLIPSE open group runs the second Monday of every month: 

Once you’ve registered, we’ll meet with you face-to-face to make sure the group is a good fit for your needs.  

Let go of what’s holding you back

Do you feel fearful, anxious or overwhelmed at the thought of letting go of your things?  

You’re not alone. Many people in Australia feel the urge to hang on to things so intensely that more and more stuff accumulates, causing problems at home and in relationships.   

Our Hoarding treatment program is based on Buried in treasures by David Tolin, Randy Frost and Gail Steketee, world leaders in the treatment of hoarding disorder. 

The program uses specific cognitive behaviour therapy techniques to build your skills in acquiring less, discarding more, and sorting and organising better.

Is this group for me?

Have you reached a turning point? Are you ready to live your life without clutter?  

If you’re motivated to change, the Hoarding treatment program can be effective.  

Held in a safe environment where you’ll be supported by experienced psychologists and group members with similar experiences, you’ll remain in control of your possessions at all times. 

Individual counselling sessions are offered as part of the program. 

Got a question? Phone 02 8287 1158.

The Hoarding disorder treatment program is made possible thanks to Sydney North Primary Health Network funding. 

Tell me more...

The Hoarding treatment program will be held: 

  • from 8 April - 22 July 2024
  • at Lifeline H2HS Gordon 
  • over 15 consecutive weeks  
  • on Mondays at 12:30pm 
  • for two hours 
  • led by trained facilitators 
  • no cost but a PHN Triage Referral Form will need to be completed by your GP. 

This is the only group for 2024 at this stage.

Don’t know what to do?

Are you at a loss to know how to help someone with a hoarding disorder?  

Family and friends can find it difficult when someone they love has a hoarding disorder, and it can be hard to know where to get help and advice.   

Our Family as motivators program is a 10-week program specifically designed for those who care for someone with a hoarding disorder. You’re not alone.

Is this group for me?

Are you keen to learn how to: 

  • identify when a hoarding habit has become a hoarding disorder 
  • effectively encourage your friend or family member to seek treatment 
  • make sure that caring for someone with a hoarding disorder doesn’t negatively affect your health and wellbeing?

Got a question? Phone 02 8287 1158.

Tell me more...

The Family as motivators program will be held: 

  • from 12 August - 21 October 2024
  • online via Zoom 
  • over 10 consecutive weeks  
  • on Mondays at 12:30pm 
  • for two hours 
  • led by trained facilitators 
  • no cost but you will need a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. 

This is the only group for 2024 at this stage

Looking after mum and baby

Just as babies need care and support, so do mums. 

Whether you’re a first-time mum or have other children, looking after a baby can be overwhelming at times.  

Being mums brings mothers of babies up to a year old together to share experiences in a supportive group setting. Learn from one another other while gaining tips and skills so you can enjoy this time with your baby.

Is this group for me?

Are you looking for a supportive space to: 

  • adjust to parenthood 
  • feel more confident as a mother 
  • develop new skills and resources 
  • manage stress and emotions 
  • make new friends.

Got a question? Phone 02 8287 1158 or email groupservices@lifelineh2h.org.au.

Being mums is possible thanks to Sydney North Primary Health Network funding. 

Tell me more...

  • from 8 Feb - 28 March 2024
  • at Mona Vale Memorial Hall 
  • over 8 consecutive weeks  
  • on Thursdays at 10:30am 
  • for two hours 
  • led by trained facilitators Linda Elliott (clinical psychologist) and Alison Wallace (clinical social worker) 
  • no cost but a PHN Triage Referral Form will need to be completed by your GP.

To register your interest for our next group, please talk to your GP about a referral. 

Connect with others who have a similar experience

Providing a safe space for carers to connect

Carer Support Group is an adult support group for relatives or friends who care for a person who may be feeling suicidal or has made a suicide attempt.

The group aims to provide a safe and confidential space to share and be supported with others who are also caring for a person that may be struggling with suicidality.

Is this group for me?

Are you looking for a supportive space to: 

  • connect with others who share a similar experience
  • learn new skills and ways of coping
  • increase your own wellbeing

Got a question? Phone 02 8287 1158 or email groupservices@lifelineh2h.org.au.

How to Participate

  1. If you would like more information, please call our Groups Services on 02 8287 1158 to ask any questions you may have about Carer Support Group.
  2. A phone conversation will be arranged with the Carer Support Group Facilitator prior to attending the group.
  3. After a discussion with the Carer Support Group Facilitator, you can both discuss together whether Carer Support Group will be a good fit for your needs.

Tell me more...

The Carers Support Group will:

  • Dates for 2024: 
    20 Feb, 19 Mar, 16 April, 21 May, 18 June, 16 July, 20 Aug, 17 Sept, 15 Oct and 19 Nov
  • Time: Tuesday 5:30pm - 7:30pm
  • Be located in Chatswood, or online via Zoom 
  • Runs every 3rd Tuesday of the month for 2 hours
  • Provide a safe and comfortable space to share personal stories
  • Be facilitated by experienced, accredited counsellors.

  


  

Meet our facilitators