Hand Up began in October 2006 with a group of people who had experienced depression, anxiety and other mental illnesses. These people found they benefited from sharing their experiences within a support group.

Over the years, some of these people stayed with the group, others moved on and many others have joined the group since then.

We find that the Hand Up group offers a place to talk about our problems, in an understanding environment.  Here we are able to set goals towards recovery and keep in contact with others on a regular basis. Here we receive and offer understanding, acceptance and friendship.

We find  being involved in a support group aids our recovery and is a valuable addition to the professional treatment we receive from our GPs and other mental health professionals.

Currently we have three Hand Up group meetings. Two in Townsville and one in Ingham.

The first group is the Hand-Up Support Group, for anyone dealing with mental health issues. This is  general group and welcomes any type of mental illness, which includes depression, anxiety, social phobia, OCD, PTSD and bipolar to name just a few.

This group runs on Tuesdays from 9.30am to 11.30am, at Saint Matthews Church Hall. Everyone is welcome.

The second group is called the Hand-Up Depression and Anxiety Group and has been going for over 12 months. This group is run slightly different to the day group and is held at night to cater for people who work, or for people who prefer a night meeting. The emphasis is on depression and anxiety and the educational part of our meeting involves topics that are relevant to people who experience depression and anxiety.

This group runs on Thursdays from 7.00pm to 9.00pm, at 159 Kings Road. Everyone is welcome.

The third group is called the Ingham Hand-Up Depression and Anxiety Group and has been going for nearly 12 months.

This group runs on Mondays from 1.00pm to 3.00pm, at the Hinchinbrook Shire Hall, 25 Lannercost St, Ingham, Qld .Everyone is welcome.

For more information see our groups page :