GROW
is a well established, self-help programme in the field of mental
health which began in Sydney in 1957 and which has become an
international, voluntary association of people. It has no
affiliation with any organised church or religion. GROW's broad
basis of belief is in ourselves and one another as persons.
While belief in God has played a vital role in the recovery and growth
of many Growers, it is not required for membership. It's treatement
aim is to "outgrow treatment".Although GROW members are
prefered workers in the programme, GROW employs staff from a variety
of backgrounds, but has no medical or nursing staff. It relies
on local General Practitioners to deal with medical problems.
In 1995, GROW converted its established drug dependency programme
to a a residential rehabilitation programme for people with a dual
disorder. Since 1998 this project has received Government funding
under the Burdekin Scheme. The programme operates from a small farm at
Austral, just outside Sydney. It caters for both men and women for
medium to long term treatment in a 12 step (non-AA) programme.
Prospective residents requiring detoxification must arrange this
before entering the programme as GROW does not have the facilities to
assist people in withdrawal.
GROW's approach to dual diagnosis problems is described as
"gentler and less confronting" than with simple drug and
alcohol abuse.
Prospective residents are required to make the
initial contact themselves and attend an assessment interview.
GROW can be reached on: (02) 9606 0579.
"Today in GROW persons who are in severe
stages of breakdown - whether acute or chronic - continue to be the
core of the movement's concern. Above all others, they are the
ones for whom GROW exists. It has been GROW's experience that
these people who may have been discarded onto the scrap heaps of
humanity, often come eventually to provide the soundest leadership and
the most committed friendships. In keeping with GROW's animating
sprit of compassionate love, it is the mentally and emotionally
disturbed person who will always be its most cherished member."
Con Keogh (a co-founder of
GROW) in 'Readings for Recovery,' 1967
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