D.U.C.K.S.
A self-help group for people suffering from depression, grief and loss, and loneliness.
Thursdays 10 am – 12 noon
Rahamim Conference Room
The depression support group known as DUCKS has been a key part of the community support offered by Rahamim (formerly the Mercy and Justice Centre) since 1995.
Why the name DUCKS? The acronym stands for:
Depression
Understanding
Concern
Kindness
Support
One member in the early days explained that it was a very apt name: ducks float on the top of the water and can look quite serene and calm, while underneath their feet are paddling desperately to keep them going. So it can be for people with depression as they struggle each day to cope. You can read some recent comments by members of the group below.
I feel safe here. I am accepted for who I am. From my first meeting I was made to feel so welcome. No-one judges you here. This small community of women and men gives me a sense of peace and I find my self esteem and more importantly, my sense of humour, returning. I thought I would never again find this feeling of peace in my life. I thank God every day for the phone call from Sister Pat that changed my life. DUCKS reinforces all that my psychologist is helping me with. I look forward to Thursdays as I know I will be among friends.
ML
Thursdays are special. I’ve made new friends. We share talking about our problems and we feel more comfortable talking to these people.
What DUCKS means to me is a loving, supporting group of friends who share their problems amongst other likeminded people. Then the funny side of a situation can come about , usually from one of the men, and then as a group we all Get It. Thank you Pat and DUCKS for teaching me life skils that I use each day, to help me live a happier, positive life.
DUCKS came along for me at a time in my life when I thought there was nothing to live for.. Now going into my third year in DUCKS I find I have made many wonderful friends and I am now grateful for every day that I am here.
LL
DUCKS is the best thing that has happened to me. The companionship, security and knowing that whatever is said in the group won’t go any further. The support we get from the group is tremendous.
PG
Sometimes we laugh. Sometimes we sing.
Sometimes we cry.
But at all times we enjoy being together and sharing our thoughts.
Guidelines for Members
· To work on myself
· To offer mutual support, non-judgmental listening and caring
· To share what works for me, rather than give advice
· In sharing something of our own emotional state we are able to find a common experience
· The roles of facilitator and participant fluctuate from one to another regardless of age or experience
· We recognize that each person’s process is important, not our judgement of it.
Background
· The principles, philosophy and goals of Rahamim underpin any program conducted at the Centre.
· DUCKS is one such program and is based on ‘A Course in Miracles’.
· Attitudinal Healing is the core principle underlying any presentations on self help themes used in the group.
· The roles of Helper and Helped are interchangeable.
· Members share as much or as little as they feel able to do at each meeting.
· All sharing is confidential.
Program Orientation
Referral
· Phone Rahamim on 02 6332 9950 and speak with the facilitator.
· An interview time will be arranged.
· A support person will be offered as a ‘friend’, and that person will make contact.
(With Mental Health/crisis referrals this process will be adjusted to accommodate the needs of the applicant.)
· The current process will be described by the facilitator
· Paperwork will be completed
· If necessary, a home visit will follow should a volunteer be required to drive the applicant to the Thursday meeting.
Meeting Procedure
· You will be introduced to the group by the facilitator or friend/buddy
· Time is spent on weekly review and sharing
· The new members are invited to share as much or as little as they are comfortable with on each occasion
· The theme for each session or group of sessions is outlined
· Morning tea, an important time for people to get to know each other, is shared
· The facilitator will present the body of the session which may include DVD or PowerPoint presentations, and engage the group in discussion, sharing and small group activities.
· The session concludes with summarizing what has been done and suggestions for follow-up.
People are asked to commit to three sessions before making a formal decision to stay or to leave the group.
“Your attitude is everything and it determines how you experience every aspect of your life. You cannot always control what happens to you in the world, but you do determine how you react to it many times a day by your attitude.”
Jerry Jampolsky, Founder, Attitudinal Healing Centre