Free Support Group Helps People Living with Mental-health Conditions

AGAWAM — The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Western Massachusetts (NAMI Western Mass.) announced its NAMI Connection support group in Easthampton. The group meets at Easthampton Congregational Church, 112 Main St., each Thursday from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at no cost to the public, and is designed for adults (18 and over) living with mental-health issues.

The group is facilitated by trained individuals who live in recovery from mental-health conditions. They are completely confidential and offer a sense of community that is based on sincere, uncritical acceptance. Individuals will gain insight from hearing about the challenges and successes of others.

NAMI Connection groups allow participants to talk about their experiences in a safe and confidential setting. The group encourages empathy, productive discussion, and a sense of community. The group will help attendees find hope and develop relationships, develop better coping skills, help others while helping themselves, find strength in the sharing of experiences, and work toward a better future in a realistic way.