TRC forms Mental Health family support groups

The Resource Center is pleased to announce the formation of support groups for family members and friends of individuals with chronic and severe mental illness.

The “New Hope Family and Friends Support Groups” are designed to enable families and friends to share their experiences in supporting a loved one recovering from severe mental illness. Often, family members and friends don’t know how to play a supportive role; and sometimes when they attempt to do so, they find that the nature of the mental health system excludes them from being as involved as they would like.

Nancy Ann Battaglia (background) has been instrumental in the recovery process for people with mental illness by supporting them to become involved in community causes. The group, called “Team of Hope”, had its start at Laurel Run, so this year team members have Laurel Hotelling (second from right) a Team of Hope shirt. TRC wants to engage other family members and friends of individuals with mental illness in some new support groups.

Groups are being established in the Dunkirk and Jamestown areas. If you’re interested in joining a support group or would like more information, phone (716) 661-1059.