Member Voices And Experiences
Hear directly from our members about the impact of our network. Through shared stories and feedback, members reflect on the support, community, and empowerment they’ve found here.
What the Groups mean to me
At the recent Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow (MHNGG) Carers Group on Wed 28th February 2024, Carers group members were invited to consider: ‘What the Carer Group means to me,’ why they regularly attend and to give their feedback. 7 MHNGG Carers Group members were in attendance and discussion was facilitated by MHN Staff Member.
What the Carer Group means to me
“I have been involved a few years now, started with GAMH group, then we became involved with Support in Mind and then funding ran out. We were then introduced to Janice Mitchell, the group took up the reigns to be an independent Carers Group and we are now currently supported by Mental Health Network. Covid had a big impact on the group, we would meet monthly Wed 11.00am and also fortnightly catch ups at McDonalds, St Enoch’s. We also developed a whats app online group, where we have developed bonds and friendships, it’s flexible and everybody is in the same boat”.
“I joined in 2021 during covid, I was at the end of my tether and I went online to google – ‘group for carers of mental health”.
“I came to the group during GAMH times and it was good, when it changed hands to Support in Mind, it wasn’t so good. In this group it is comfortable talking to each other and you try to educate yourself”.
“Families are all different, there is some kind of selfishness where you say ‘where do I talk about it?’ Coming here definitely helps me, I get here as often as I can, we have a bond and I value the friendships. We have the same problems and the same concern”.
Why do you keep coming back?
“You bond with people, you have a common interest and you feel a responsibility to keep going if you are isolated. We are always keen for new members, it is recognised as a peer support group. It’s about trust and relationships. You are educated and kept up-to-date on things at our regular meetings. Education and understanding is important and you learn from each other“.
“It helps with emotional support, you feel that at least people here in this group understand. For the first 5 weeks at the group I cried at the groups, it is important for me to know that there are people in the same boat”.
“This is my ‘heid space’, knowing that you can talk freely. I can post a whatsapp message in the group and I know that people know how I am feeling. I can get some support, it makes a difference and gives me a wee bit of comfort”.
“This is my first meeting today and I have been welcomed and made to feel comfortable”.
“I like coming to the group, I know I can step away and come back when ready”.
Alan
“Being part of the Network has brought me out of my shell, it gives me confidence. It gets me up and out of the house and I meet a lot of friends here. Every week I am learning something new, I particularly enjoy the variety of guest speakers as it makes me think. I like the staff”.
Elly
“I come along to the Network to access information, advice and support. I enjoy the communication, it helps me to feel connected to others”.
Helen
“It’s all about socialising and all the staff are very helpful. The company is important and especially the peer support – I can give it and I can receive it. This is what we do as a group”.
We are a community-driven network made up of individuals and carers with lived experience of mental health challenges. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate a mental health system that is often overstretched, with long waiting times and limited resources.
At times, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. That’s why we are here to connect you with compassionate, supportive organisations that can guide you through these challenges.
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Contact
Mental Health Network Greater Glasgow (SCIO)
Suite 11, Templeton House, Templeton Business Centre, 62 Templeton Street Glasgow G40 1DA
Phone:
0141 550 8417
Email:
info@mhngg.org.uk
