Are you passionate about mental health and making a difference in your community?

Becoming a South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) Mental Health Support Group Leader might be the perfect role for you.

SADAG is launching its support group leader training on May 27 and is looking for people who have personal experience with mental health issues – either through their own lived experience journey or by supporting a loved one – to sign up.

Online panic and depression support group leader Liat explains that this opportunity is ideal for those who see a need for mental health support in their communities and want to create safe spaces where others can feel heard, understood, and empowered.

“Whether you’re hoping to start a support group at your local clinic, hospital, church, or community centre, or simply want to bring people together who’ve faced similar mental health issues, SADAG will guide and support you every step of the way.

“Support groups not only bring comfort and understanding but also help challenge stigma around depression and anxiety. Being a part of this group brings me joy, growth, and healing alongside my members.

“By leading a mental health support group, you’re not just facilitating discussions, you’re helping others feel seen and supported while building a powerful network of healing and understanding.”

About the training
The six-part online training series takes place weekly on Wednesdays from May 27 to July 1 from 10:00 to 11:00, covering:

• What a support group is and who should join or start one.
• Training and preparing to become a volunteer support group leader.
• Steps to launch and sustain your support group.
• Practical exercises and assessments to ensure confidence in leading.

Each session offers hands-on learning, giving future leaders a clear pathway to creating safe, impactful spaces for their communities.

Support group leader Mildred, who runs an HIV and mental health support group, said she started a group to fight stigma and create safe spaces for sharing, resources, and community.

“Watching people grow in confidence has been deeply rewarding. My dream is a world of zero stigma around HIV.”

Join a Facebook Live before training starts
Ahead of the support group leader training, SADAG will host a Facebook Live session to explain the difference between starting and joining a support group on May 20 at 12:00.

Contact Anita at supportgroups@anxiety.org.za or Vuyo at press@anxiety.org.za for more information about the training and the Facebook info session, or go to www.sadag.org for more information.

Where it started
Over 32 years, SADAG has grown from a single support group into the country’s leading mental health advocacy organisation.

SADAG began when founder Zane Wilson was encouraged to start a support group following her own diagnosis and treatment for panic disorder.

What started as one small group of people coming together to share hope, understanding, and support became the foundation of SADAG. It proves the power of peer support and the difference one caring community can make in the lives of others.