RUOK? Mental health support groups and services in Logan
Every day is the ideal day to look after the mental health of yourself and those around you, with a large variety of support services, groups and helplines available to lean on in the City of Logan when you need them.
With RUOK Day on 11 September, this national day of action is a reminder to all Australians that every day is the day to ask, ‘are you OK?’ and to start a meaningful conversation whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling in life. There is plenty of helpful information at A conversation could change a life | R U OK?
Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) is also approaching, running from 4 October to 12 October, making now a timely reminder for the local community to come together and support each other in today’s ever-changing world. Search for QMHW events here.
Logan is home to many organisations that support community wellbeing all year round, and here are a few helpful links to find support and connection.
Services and activities
Depression and Anxiety Recovery Program: Held at Park Ridge Community Centre, Dr Neil Nedley’s 8-week Depression & Anxiety Program (DARP) runs throughout the year for those looking to achieve peace of mind and restore energy, joy and satisfaction to their lives. There is a free information session about the 8-week program on Tuesday, 9 September, at 6:45 pm at the Park Ridge Men’s Shed in Greenbank. For bookings and more information, contact Kim Jakes on 0467 299 575.
Logan Family Recovery Program: This program by Lives Lived Well offers a unique residential treatment for parents with young children, providing comprehensive alcohol, drug and mental health support in a serene, rural setting. The program includes drug and alcohol counselling, parenting support, health and wellness initiatives, along with aftercare.
Community Men’s Sheds: Throughout the City of Logan, community Men’s Sheds provide support, companionship and a space for men to share a cup of coffee or work on leather and wood projects. There are groups at Park Ridge which meets at Park Ridge South, Logan City Community which meets at Crestmead, Logan Village which meets at Logan Village, Logan and Districts which meets at Munruben, Greenbank RSL which meet at Hillcrest, and Beenleigh District which meet at Beenleigh. All the meeting and contact details can be found at Men’s Sheds.
Women’s Shed: The Logan Village Women’s Shed is a hands-on, tool friendly place where women who enjoy woodworking can come together to enjoy friendship, support, explore their creativity and learn new skills. Suitable for 18 years and over. For details contact 0428 633 602.
Torque It Out by Wheelnutz: The Torque It Out program supports men by providing walk-in, no-appointment-needed access to mental health support within an automotive garage environment where participants repair and restore vehicles in a safe and supportive space.
Ethni: Ethni is a Logan Central non-profit that empowers young and diverse women, aged 15 to 30, by creating safe spaces for learning and connection. The organisation frequently hosts round table discussions on relevant topics such as intergenerational trauma and its impact on mental health. Mentorship, therapy services and career training are also available.
Responsible Men – YFS: Responsible Men is a behaviour-change program for men in the Logan area aged 18 years and above, who use violence or are controlling in their relationships. The program focuses on how young men can take responsibility to change behaviour and decision-making without using violence, and how to use this knowledge to make positive changes for healthy and safe relationships. For details visit the website or phone 3826 1500.
Men’s Table: The Men’s Table charity regularly organises an emotionally safe environment for groups of 12 to talk about their feelings over a shared meal. Men are welcome to simply listen until they feel comfortable enough to speak. For details about the Logan Men’s Table, contact Wayne Krueger on 0484 332 974 or wayne.krueger@themenstable.org.
Men’s Health Support: Logan City Council has a list of Men’s Health resources and support hotlines to support men of all ages and list ways people can get more involved to help out a mate. See the list here, including Men’s Health Australia, The Fathering Project, Lifeline, Black Dog Institute, Brother To Brother and Blokepedia.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Support: Gunya Meta Inc. has some programs that could be very helpful for youth and adult support, including Mental Health Yarns on 0428 605 639 and a Youth Suicide Prevention Program focusing on the wellbeing of 12-17 year old Jarjums. Find details here Youth Suicide prevention program – Gunya Meta. There are many services, programs and groups listed with links on the Logan City Council website here including the 13YARN (phone 139276) support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling worried or no good, phone and talk with a crisis supporter.
Men’s Support Groups and Programs: There is a variety of very supportive groups and programs for men in the City of Logan, which are listed on the Logan City Council website. These include Men’s Circle Groups run by The Centre For Men and Families Australia, which provide a ‘circle’ as a safe space for men to have their experiences heard and honoured without judgment. Details are also provided for groups such as Man Up which is a brotherhood to help with domestic violence, relationship problems, mental health, alcohol and drug abuse; the Pacifika Men’s Support Group; the Circuit Breaker Program; and His Space, which offers a safe space to be hopeful through connection, awareness, and empowerment. View them all here.
Mental Wellbeing Resources: Find a list of tools, tips and inspiration for a health mind on the Logan City Council website including the Wonderful Me journal for children aged 9 to 12 years, suggested apps, podcasts and links, conversation starters about kindness, and a range of mental health support phone services, such as Multicultural Connect Line, eHeadspace, 13YARN, Suicide Call Back Service, Medicare Mental Health, Kids Helpline, Brook Red located in Beenleigh for one-on-one support, and MH Call, which is a confidential mental health telephone triage service that provides the first point of contact to public mental health services. See the list here.
For those thinking of taking some time out for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, check out some of the best wellness and self-care spots in Logan.