DaH Update

Depression and Hope (DAH), led by Linda Rowland, is a support group for those suffering with Depression. DAH aims to connect with, support and bring hope to those struggling with Depression. Those attending the group are able to discover hope through education and equipping with skills to manage and improve everyday life.

2022/23 Review

Throughout 2022, God has been working in individual lives to bring recovery and connection through the DAH groups. One of the most encouraging things is phone calls from people who have newly heard of the groups, expressing how pleased and grateful they are to have finally found an affordable and welcoming option for their mental health support, sometimes after years of searching. Recently, one man had to take a few moments out as when he phoned, he was overwhelmed with emotion and the clear sense that God had lovingly led him to reach out to DAH.

In 2023 the Belmont Group started to meet at the Eastlakes Salvos Church in Belmont North. The facility has a light, welcoming feel and is a hub of activities, with a cafe, OzHarvest, playgroup and a range of other groups providing opportunities for raising awareness of DAH. Within the very first week there Linda was introduced to a man who had just come out of a mental health ward and was keen for the support, although so far (as at the time of writing) his anxiety has kept him from attending.
Behind the scenes, Linda has been organising the policy and procedural items needed for a not-for-profit. ie., formal Codes of Conduct signed by facilitators, and Memorandums of Understanding signed by participating churches, to clarify who is responsible for facilitator training, insurance, venues etc.

The Morisset, Belmont and Pelican groups and a Charlestown group are currently in operation and going well. A second Charlestown group is currently taking a break and building up a waitlist before beginning again.

The Pelican group has restarted on a different day with a new facilitator, Damien Cooke, who has been a financial counsellor for Lifeline. Here is an excerpt from a recent email Damien sent:

I spoke with Greg* today and he is very grateful for the establishment of the group and that there are people ready to support and encourage him. Most of all, he found that having a space to tell his story has helped him to find relief in his process of healing. Encouraging to hear as the facilitator of the group!

I am confident that these days of ’small beginnings’ will pave the way forward for testimonies of God’s goodness being released into peoples lives and the gospel being heard (in a sensitive and caring way) by those who are curious travellers in life.
*Name changed to protect privacy.

Belmont Group

Charlestown Group

2023 Support

Your support of $4,000 will:

Provide room hire support for the Belmont Group
Cover wages for Network Coordinator
Pay for advertising
Cover admin costs

Send Me

Your support of the DAH group is appreciated, and the group would love for you to be assisting in the following ways:

Become a prayer partner
Spread the word - there are many people with Depression in the Hunter region who are not yet aware of this opportunity. DAH advertise but word of mouth is the most effective way. Please invite those who may be interested, tell everyone you know so they can do the same, and consider giving a pile of flyers to your GP or counsellor.
Volunteer your skills and training to be a guest speaker at one of the DAH meetings.
Volunteer your admin/leadership skills and help DAH to move forward in their calling, providing support our Network Coordinator.

Prayer and Praise

Pray for participants, facilitators, and potential members building up their courage to come.
Pray for Linda as she coordinates the DAH Groups and looks to grow the number of groups.
Pray that awareness of the DAH Groups would increase.
Give thanks for the wonderful testimonies and support coming from the groups.

Testimonies

What I really value about the [Depression and Hope] support group is all the ladies, from different generations and walks of life. We all have different experiences to share, and there is often a real pearl of wisdom to be heard. This happened last week when one lady shared something that really was a good reminder for me about how journaling really helps us to process things, and is something I have started again because of this lady's sharing.
There is such a feeling of supportiveness and acceptance among us too. I would encourage others to come along if they are seeking a supportive, informative and helpful, non-judgmental group of women in a warm and comforting safe space.
Thank you so much to HPTW, I'm really grateful to have found you and for walking with me in my journey.
God Bless
Rachel *

I have found the [Depression and Hope] group is a very supportive and confidential Group that listens to each person with no judgement. I have found it lovely to get together with very caring people. Each fortnight there is an informative speaker that encourages us. Everyone is made welcome.
Judy *
(Names changed to protect privacy)