The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) are hosting a FREE Online Support Group Leader Training Webinar Series
SADAG has over 170 Support Groups around the country that deal with a variety of different Mental Health related topics, including Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Chronic Illness, Bipolar Disorder, as well as Support Groups for Family Members and Loved Ones of Those Living with a Mental Illness. Support Groups are gatherings of people with common experiences and concerns who meet together to provide emotional and moral support for one another. They encourage a sense of community, a source of empathetic understanding and a non-judgemental environment.
The purpose of the training is not only to generate awareness about Support Groups, but also to launch more Support Groups around the country, to provide aftercare to those in need of supplementary support. The training takes place online and is comprised of 6-online sessions each followed by assessments to test your understanding and readiness to run a Group, as well as practical exercises that will give you first-hand insight into what running a Support Group is all about.
This 6-part online series covers everything from:
- What a Support Group is
- Who should join or start a Support Group
- Training and preparing you to become a volunteer Support Group Leader
- Preparing your Support Group
- Launching your own Support Group
The webinars will take place, Weekly from 22 May 2024 – 26 June 2024
- Part 1: Wednesday 22 May 2024, 10 am – 11 am
- Part 2: Tuesday 28 May 2024, 10 am – 11 am
- Part 3: Wednesday 05 June 2024, 10 am – 11 am
- Part 4: Wednesday 12 June 2024, 10 am – 11 am
- Part 5: Wednesday 19 June 2024, 10 am – 11 am
- Part 6: Wednesday 26 June 2024, 10 am – 11 am
A Support Group can help you cope better and feel less alone as you make connections with others facing similar challenges. A Support Group shouldn’t replace your usual medical care, but it can be a valuable resource to help you cope, manage, and maintain your Mental Health. The training is open to anyone who is keen and willing to start a Support Group. However, prior to becoming a SADAG Support Group Leader, you will need to complete an assessment questionnaire to evaluate if you are ready to start a Support Group. It is not necessary for Support Group Leaders to be Mental Health practitioners, because Support Groups are not therapy, they cannot replace therapy, nor are they the first line of Mental Health treatment/intervention.
SADAG Support Group Co-ordinator Amber-leigh Schoeman explains, “There is a transformative power that can be found in community, empathy, and connection. Mental Health difficulties often come with a sense of isolation and Support Groups offer a safe haven, a place to share, and a journey towards healing together. In unity, we find strength and understanding.”
SADAG guides and trains new Support Group Leaders on running a group step-by-step. We help with training webinars, materials, handouts, information and ongoing support.
Mental Illness affects an estimated one in three South Africans, however, so many people don’t know where to go for help or how to manage their Mental Health. Support Groups are a great resource reminding us that there is always hope and that you are not alone.
If you, or someone you know, are interested in starting a Mental Health Support Group in your area, please register for our first webinar on Wednesday the 22nd of May at 10 am by going to https://bit.ly/SGLT2024Part1 or emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ attached for more information or click here to learn more about SADAG Support Groups.
Should you have further questions or want more information; email Amber-leigh on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
