Testimonials

  • “When I first started coming to Depression and Hope (now Hopeworks), it took me a long time to feel comfortable contributing. But I was welcome to just sit and listen, and gradually I built my confidence to share in the group.”

    — Thomas

  • “The people at Depression and Hope (now Hopeworks) have become friends. I look forward to coming to the group and just being accepted and valued for who I am. ”

    — Debora

  • “Sometimes I have really low days and I don’t feel like coming to the group and talking to people at all. But I make myself come anyway, and I’m always glad I did. I always feel better after connecting with others and learning at the group. ”

    — Charlie

  • The Depression and Hope group (now Hopeworks) has been really good for me. I am starting to feel safe there and to know that I am not alone in finding life hard. Linda has cared for me and a couple of times when I was not safe she got me to hospital so I would not make an unsafe choice. One day when I was crying in the group so much that I couldn’t really talk, four people from the group called me afterwards. I felt so supported and not so alone.

    — Sharon

Sandra’s Story*

I’ve been living with mental health challenges for a long time—probably around 40 years, if I’m honest. Over the years I’ve had 11 hospital admissions and been diagnosed with a mix of things: generalised anxiety disorder, depression, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and an eating disorder. It’s been a long road.

I first heard about the Depression and Hope (now Hopeworks) support group at the Carols by the Lake event in 2023. I very anxious about going, but my daughter encouraged me and it was helpful that it was held at a familiar location nearby – Eastlakes Salvos.  I decided to give it a try.

From the beginning I felt safe with the facilitator, Linda, and after a while I worked up the courage to speak up and share aspects of my journey in the group. I’ve found it to be a welcoming, non-judgemental space where people can be real and for someone like me, who still struggles with anxiety and self-doubt, that means a lot. Sometimes I still worry whether I’m sharing “the right way,” but I know this is just the old, noisy anxiety and that I don’t have to be perfect here, just show up and have a go.

One of the most meaningful parts for me has been the friendships I’ve slowly formed. Mental health issues can be incredibly isolating, but this group has helped me expand my social connections in a way that feels natural and supportive. Hearing others’ stories—especially those of hope, faith and recovery, gives me encouragement on the days when I need it most.

We cover all kinds of topics in the group. I’ve found the sessions on diet and aspects of mental health especially useful. Sometimes I walk away learning something new, other times I’m reminded of strategies I’d forgotten. The group doesn’t pretend to have all the answers, but it gives me a sense of connection, support, and—importantly—hope.

*Name has been changed for privacy purposes.

Dave’s Story*

For me, Depression and Hope (now Hopeworks) is a diverse and nonjudgmental group of people who are all on a journey of recovery and acceptance from depression or anxiety, within ourselves and the wider community. We meet once a fortnight for an hour where we start the meeting with laughter through someone relating a funny experience they have had. We then have a discussion or a guest speaker where we discuss all aspects, from the effect on you and the people around you, which can include coping strategies, motivation, nutrition, enjoyment. Asking a question or actively participating is encouraged but is not compulsory.

In my case I came to the group after a long bout of depression and anxiety, with it taking over 10 months before I started to actually participate at the meetings, and after 15 months I still find it a bit hard. With encouragement from the group and knowing that it is a safe place they have helped me come a long way on my journey. Going to church had been part of my life for over 15 years until it all became overwhelming to participate in a large group or to go out. While I try to attend every few months I would have to leave after a few minutes. Through the group I been able start going to activities at my church and talking to people more confidently.

*Name has been changed for privacy purposes.