Many individuals who previously had mild or no mental ill-health symptoms are experiencing heightened distress, anxiety and depression due to recent upheavals such as natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. This necessitates innovative forms of support and care, including providing services remotely. Non-clinical interventions can help address mental health issues. GROW, a mental health support organisation, has designed a program to empower those experiencing worsening mental health to build connection, resilience and self-awareness.
“Growing Resilience” is an innovative new online peer support program delivered via weekly video conference sessions. In addition to that, the Grow Online Community Forum is a web-based message board where individuals can lend each other support, problem solve and develop together. The Centre for Online Health at UQ has been commissioned by GROW to evaluate the use and effectiveness of these two new interventions. This will be done through collecting activity data as well as anonymous online participant feedback surveys. It is hoped this research can help improve the program and forum and also be used for potential future funding and policy opportunities to support the mental wellbeing of Australians.
