Peers

Peer Support Groups

NAMI Jax Connection Recovery Support Groups for Peers

For individuals (18+) living with mental health conditions and co-occurring substance use disorders

NAMI support groups give you a safe place to share experiences with others who understand. These groups provide empathy, productive discussion and a sense of community. They are a place to develop supportive relationships and gain hope.

Our free support groups are led by NAMI-trained facilitators who have lived experience. The groups follow a structured model so everyone has an opportunity to share, learn, and feel support from other attendees.

NAMI Jax Connection Recovery Support Groups are available online and in person throughout Northeast Florida on a regular recurring basis.

If you're curious about a support group, you are welcome to attend with no commitment. Student or non-participant observation is not permitted.

Find the Support Group that Works for You:

In Person

At Winston YMCA

  • 2nd & 4th Thursdays
  • 6:15 - 7:30 pm
  • Winston YMCA Riverside
    Healthy Living Center
    221 Riverside Ave.
    Jacksonville, FL 32202
  • Free parking
  • Drop-ins are welcome
  • Enter the building through the gym. Someone will unlock the double doors and guide you to the meeting room.
Register for the program

In Atlantic Beach

  • 2nd & 4th Tuesdays
  • 6:15 - 7:30 pm
  • Community Presbyterian Church
    150 Sherry Drive
    Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
  • Free parking
  • Drop-ins are welcome
Register for the program

At HCA Orange Park

  • Every Wednesday
  • 6:15 - 7:30 pm
  • HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital
    Classroom C
    2001 Kingsley Ave.
    Orange Park, FL 32073
  • Free parking
  • Drop-ins are welcome
Register for the program

In Nassau County

  • Every Friday
  • 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
  • Nassau County Council on Aging
    1901 Island Walkway
    Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
  • Free parking
  • Drop-ins are welcome
Register for the program

Online

For Adults (ages 18+)

  • Every Tuesday
  • 6:15 - 7:30 pm
  • On Zoom
Register for the program

For Young Adults (ages 18-30)

  • 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
  • 6:15 - 7:15 pm
  • On Zoom
    Register for the program

    What You'll Gain

    • See the individual first, not the illness
    • Recognize that mental illnesses are medical illnesses that may have environmental triggers
    • Understand that mental illnesses are traumatic events
    • Aim for better coping skills
    • Find strength in sharing experiences
    • Reject stigma and not tolerate discrimination
    • Not judge anyone’s pain
    • Forgive ourselves and reject guilt
    • Embrace humor as healthy
    • Accept that we cannot solve every problem
    • Work for a better future in a realistic way

    What Are People Saying

    “NAMI Connection has enabled me to take a good look at my illness and see that I am not alone. The program has given me additional tools to not only accept my illness, but to help others along the way.”

    “… People can solve problems [at a NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group]. It isn’t just a bunch of sad stories; people are coming up with solutions and stuff to do for the next week. One of our group attendees is taking her meds and getting herself to her counselor and is just about able to go back to her career in great part due to Connection.”