Yolanda, a volunteer group facilitator at Wollongong Anxiety Support Group, kindly took the time to raise awareness of WayAhead and its local branch.

Tell us about WayAhead.

WayAhead runs anxiety support groups all across NSW, which can be in-person or online. Wollongong is just one of the locations. Laura and I run the Illawarra group on a monthly basis on the first Tuesday of the month from 6pm to 8pm. The sessions are held at Wollongong Tennis Club in Gwynneville and there is no booking required, so anyone is free to join. The groups are for over 18s, however, if a minor wants to join us, we will need to consult with their parents/caregivers.

How can locals join?

We are inclusive of all spectrums of the severity of anxiety and relative disorders. We welcome people who are experiencing anxiety themselves, who are looking for support for loved ones, family or a friend.

If you wish to join, reach out via the website or contact us at wollongong.gs@wayahead.org.au or info@wayahead.org.au 

What can people expect?

Our mission is to establish a safe environment for people to share their personal experiences with anxiety. We are an anonymous group (sharing first names only) where you can share as much or little as you want. You can expect to be surrounded by people who are very familiar with your situation, and the facilitators, Laura and I, will provide support, advice and strategies.

Tell us about WayAhead.

WayAhead is a not-for-profit with a team who work every day to educate people throughout New South Wales and beyond on mental health and well-being, and link them to services and resources that improve their mental health.

We work towards better mental health and well-being through:

• The co-ordination of mental health promotion activities such as Mental Health Month NSW, WayAhead Workplaces and Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Awareness Week

• Free anxiety support groups throughout NSW

• The provision of mental health information – the WayAhead Directory, mental health factsheets

• Education seminars such as or Understanding Anxiety Forums and Professional Development Workshops – for people living with a mental health condition, the public and health care professionals

• Small Steps workshops for parents and school teachers to raise awareness and improve recognition of anxiety disorders in children.

Laura and I part of the Illawarra division and are trained to facilitate the group. I’m currently studying law and psychology at the University of Wollongong.

For more information about WayAhead and Wollongong Anxiety Support Group, visit the websites