This report presents the data findings from Grow’s National Survey 2017. Surveys were completed by 389 Growers at their Groups, Regional Weekends and the National Weekend. The survey collected information on the following:
- socio-demographic characteristics
- engagement with GROW
- profile of mental health need
- views on GROW Groups
- individual recovery outcomes and social supports
The gender of respondents was 55% (214) female and 45% (168) male, with 1% (3) selecting the ‘other’ category. Just over one half of participants, 54% (200), were aged 45-64 years old. Respondents came from all regions around the country. Just under one quarter of participants, 24% (93), were currently working, while another 24% (91) were not working due to illness or disability.
Three quarters of respondents, 76% (288), were attending a GROW group on a weekly basis. The majority of participants were GROW members for a number of years – 23% (85) for 3-5 years and a further 34% (128) for 6 years or more. In relation to their role in GROW, 75% (288) were members while others held a particular role, e.g. Recorder, Organiser. Almost one half, 47% (179) of respondents self-referred to GROW while 31% were referred by a professional working in the area of mental health.
In relation to current engagement with mental health services, respondents were most likely to be seeing their GP, 56% (180), followed by a Psychiatrist, 46% (146). One in ten were currently attending a support group other than GROW, 10% (32). Depression and anxiety were the two most common mental health needs reported by participants, 49% (180) and 44% (161) respectively. When asked what factors contributed to their mental health need, respondents were most likely to say childhood experience (36%), followed by poor relationships with family (31%) and bereavement (26%).
The aspects of attending GROW that were rated as most beneficial were meeting other people (55%), weekly meetings (54%) and a structured program (52%). A number of respondents said that the support they received from GROW had helped them to deal with their employer (19%) or change job/career (16%). Suggestions put forward as to how GROW could be better were more advertising/promotion (15%), more members (12%) and more social events (9%). read more