The Victorian Adoption Support Network for Information and Self Help (VANISH), in conjunction with the Association of Relinquishing Mothers (ARMS), will hold support group regular meetings throughout the year.

The meetings will be held at the Eastwood Leisure Complex on the third Saturday of each month between 2pm and 4pm.

Adult adopted persons support group meetings for people 18 years and over, run by VANISH, will be held on February 18, May 20, August 19 and November 18.

Mothers, run by ARMS, will be held on March 18, June 17, September 16 and December 16.

Mixed group, for adopted persons, natural parents and adoptive parents, run by VANISH, will be held on April 15, July 15 and October 21.

VANISH manager Charlotte Smith said 2013 research showed support groups were highly valued.

Ms Smith said the meetings support people separated from their child or parents and family.

“We currently have support groups operating in Albury-Wodonga, Ballarat, Bendigo, Melbourne, Mildura and Traralgon,” Ms Smith said.

In Ballarat, the groups rotate to meet different needs.

Ms Smith said there was a group for people who were adopted, a mixed group for all family members affected by past adoptions and a group for mothers separated from a child, which is run in conjunction with ARMS.

“Support groups provide the opportunity to meet other people who have had similar experiences,” Ms Smith said.

“We hold informal meetings in an accepting environment where people can speak about what is on their mind and how they are feeling or they can just come along and listen.”

Group meetings are based on principles of privacy, anonymity and respect for one another.

For more information about the groups, contact VANISH on 9328 8611 or for free on 1300 826 479, email info@vanish.org.au or ARMS on 0400 701621 or arms@armsvic.org.au