Weekly peer-led Grow meetings for mental wellbeing in Dandenong. Free, confidential and open to all ages—no referral needed.
Ongoing activity
Community and Learning Centre, 34 King St, Dandenong VIC 3175, Australia
Free
Join a welcoming, peer-led support group designed to help adults and parents strengthen mental wellbeing and build practical coping skills. Held at the Dandenong Living and Learning Centre, this Grow program is focused on recovery from anxiety, depression and life stresses, and is presented with empathy and real-life strategies that resonate with busy families.
When you arrive you'll find a calm, confidential space where members share experiences and progress in a structured, respectful way. The atmosphere is supportive and practical, perfect for parents looking for community, mental health support and strategies they can use at home.
Meetings run weekly and are member-led, encouraging honesty, acceptance and confidence. Expect a mix of personal sharing, gentle reflection and guided exercises that help change negative thinking and behaviour—useful for anyone managing anxiety, depression or day-to-day parenting pressures.
Participation is flexible: you can remain anonymous, listen, or contribute as you feel comfortable. The format is consistent so regular attendees benefit from steady progress and peer accountability, which is great for long-term mental wellbeing.
Grow focuses on practical, evidence-informed strategies to improve emotional resilience, rebuild life routines and enhance relationships. Sessions typically include short check-ins, skill-building segments and time to reflect on progress, all within a compassionate peer environment.
Typical topics and strategies include:
- Dealing with emotional crises
- Managing feelings and stress
- Thinking by reason and improving relationships
- Building personal worth and daily routines
Groups are free, confidential and open to people of all ages, with meetings lasting about 1.5 to 2 hours. No referrals, diagnosis or bookings are required—just drop in if you can, which makes it easy for parents juggling school runs and commitments.
Meetings take place at Dandenong Living and Learning Centre, 34 King Street, Dandenong—a central, accessible venue near public transport and community services. The location is familiar to many local families and has practical access for strollers and public transit.
Parking and access details are available on arrival and the centre is used to supporting people with varying needs. If you require additional assistance to participate, the organisers invite you to contact them ahead of time to discuss support options.
The venue is welcoming to parents and carers; bringing a friend or child-care arrangement can make attending easier. The community-centre setting keeps the tone informal and approachable, ideal for parents looking for mental health support and connection.
Grow meetings are free, confidential and run by members according to a structured program focused on recovery and personal growth. Groups typically have 3–12 members and continue through school holidays, making them a reliable option for families seeking ongoing support.
No appointment, referral or diagnosis is needed—simply turn up on Monday mornings between 10:30 and 12:30. If you need additional assistance to participate, contact the organisers so they can help make the session accessible for you.
Please be aware that while Grow offers peer support and practical strategies, it is not a substitute for clinical therapy; anyone in crisis should seek immediate professional help. The program complements clinical care and is excellent for parents who want community-based mental wellbeing support.
There is no cost to attend—these are free community meetings intended to be accessible to everyone in the Dandenong area. No bookings are required, so families can drop in when it suits their schedules.
The weekly format and no-fee model make this an easy, low-commitment option for parents seeking ongoing mental health support and peer connection. Signing up for the council eNewsletter is suggested for updates about any changes to times or venue.
For further information, the event page lists a contact person and local council contact lines; if you need assistance or more details, reach out to the organisers via the council channels provided on the Greater Dandenong website.
