A Show of Support: Help is Available for Those in Need

Cape Cod is not just a place to vacation. It’s a place where residents care about the mental and physical health of their community. There are many reasons people might feel the need to reach out for some support in their lives. You may be suffering from grief due to the death of a loved one, or you or someone you know might have a substance abuse problem. Perhaps you’re suddenly responsible for the care of someone elderly or disabled, or you’ve recently been diagnosed with cancer and don’t know how to cope.

There is help available for all of these life issues and many more. If you need help or support, there is a place for you. Here is just a partial list of the many groups and services available for those in need.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental health issues. NAMI Cape Cod, Inc. is located at 5 Mark Lane, Hyannis. You can call (508) 778-4277 or visit their website, namicapecod.org.

Cape Cod Healthcare offers a “Support and Survivorship” program for those who’ve been diagnosed with cancer. The program provides emotional and psychological support to you and your family and helps you plan for a life beyond cancer. The support continues even after treatment ends. For more information, call 508-862-7571 or visit capecodhealth.org/care-treatment/cancer/support-survivorship/

Cape Cod Hoarding Task Force offers support and recovery programs for hoarders. This group approaches recovery from the many different forms of clutter (possessions, animals, etc.) that can be progressive and harmful both physically and mentally. Their programs are available in several locations on the Cape. For more information, visit hoardingcapecod.org.

AIDS Support Group Cape Cod (ASGCC) has been providing comfort, care and services to people living with HIV/AIDS for over 30 years. Direct services include extensive case management, transportation assistance, access to food and nutrition services and whole range of other services to help people with HIV/AIDS lead healthy lives. For more information, visit asgcc.org.

Alzheimer’s Family Support Center Cape Cod offers regular support groups for caregivers, people with AD/dementia, and for people in early stages of decline in every town on the Cape. People can come to as many groups as they like. No advance registration is required, but new participants are encouraged to call for information prior to their first meeting. For more information, visit alzheimerscapecod.org.

The Cape Cod Family Resource Center offers evidence-based parent education programs, parent support groups, early childhood services, information and referral resources and education for families from every community on Cape Cod, regardless of insurance or income. Visit capecodfamilyresourcecenter.org for more information.

Samaritans of Cape Cod and the Islands is a non-denominational, non-profit volunteer organization whose mission is to provide emotional support to those who are lonely, depressed, or suicidal. The Samaritans offer help and support for those who need someone to talk to. Volunteers are always available to listen. If you or someone you know may be depressed or possibly suicidal, please call the crisis line at 800-893-9900 or visit capesamaritans.org now.

Gosnold Family Support Groups offers a “Reaching Out” program as a resource for family members and loved ones affected by addiction. It assists the family at all stages of addiction through education, intervention, and support. Information and education forums help family members gain a basic understanding of the signs and symptoms of addiction, treatment options, and stages of recovery. For more information, call 774-392-6040 or visit gosnold.org.

By Ann Luongo, Lifestyle Reporter

About Ann Luongo

Ann Luongo has been writing for Cape Cod and South Shore publications for over 15 years.



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