Our Services
Many people living with anxiety, OCD, and related disorders find it helpful to meet others with similar experiences. Either via zoom or in-person, ARCVICs Support Groups will connect you with peers and support you along your recovery journey.
You will find all the information you need about our support groups here. Scroll down to find a support group for you or someone you care about.
NOTE: Our support groups are run with all participants’ wellbeing in mind. For online meetings using zoom, this means that we ask participants to have their camera on throughout the session.
What are Support Groups?
ARCVIC support groups are based on a mutual-self-help model that is grounded in hope, optimism, recovery, and supported decision making. All groups are entirely free of charge but do require registration. They aim to provide a relaxed, understanding, safe, and confidential space for everyone. As we are based in Melbourne Australia our in-person groups run from venues situated in different suburbs of Melbourne. Our zoom meetings are open to anyone residing in Australia and run on Eastern Standard Time (AEST).
Support Groups are a space to connect with others, self-reflect, discuss challenges, share experiences and self-help strategies. In many of our groups, there are no set topics, and group discussion is encouraged. Facilitators may provide psychoeducation and support services. At ARCVIC, we consider lived experience to be paramount, and all participants are provided with a chance to share (if they would like to).
Please note that our groups are not therapy groups and are best suited to those comfortable in group environments. Participants are welcome to use an alias if they do not want to use their real name in meetings.
Benefits of Support Groups
There are many benefits of participating in self-help support groups. Some are listed below in green:
Who runs the Support Groups?
Our support groups are facilitated by trained volunteers. Our volunteers are often peers who have lived experiences of anxiety, OCD, and related disorders themselves. The role of our volunteers is to ensure everyone is comfortable and safe, to ensure that participants are following the group guidelines, and to keep the conversation flowing smoothly. ARCVIC’s facilitator style allows for the groups to be participant-led, where group members provide each other with support, validation, self-care, and coping strategies.
2026 Support Groups
We offer online and face to face options to ensure we can support people with differing preferences and needs.
Registration for group sessions usually open 2-4 weeks before the group is scheduled. Upon registering you will receive a confirmation email with venue details for in-person groups, or a zoom link for online groups.
NOTE: Support Groups do not run on Public Holidays (National or State of Victoria) or throughout January.
If you have any questions about Support Groups or would like to provide feedback or suggestions please email: supportgroups@arcvic.connexionpoint.com.au or call our Helpline on 1300 269 438
Alternatively, you can access our anonymous Feedback Form via this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfeZomXtRub4lOHcKwTmt2h2Btj1MzrT-Tw9Y851U_phSFNGg/viewform?usp=header
ADHD Anxiety Support Group
Agoraphobia and Panic Support Group
Bentleigh Anxiety Support Group
Bentleigh Social Group
Carers/Parents Anxiety Support Group
Footscray Anxiety Support Group
Hawthorn Anxiety Support Group
Hoarding & Clutter Support Group (Day)
Hoarding & Clutter Support Group (Evening)
Men's Anxiety Support Group
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Support Group
Ringwood Anxiety Support Group
Social Anxiety Support Group
Trichotillomania and Dermotillomania Support Group
Tuesday Anxiety Support Group
Women's Trauma Support Group
