Welcome to the Young Adult section of the GROW website. GROW is currently developing resources for Young Adults in Ireland. The ultimate goal is to have easily accessible GROW Young Adult support groups throughout the country.
(To find meetings in your area please click on the link in the left-hand menu)

GROW currently defines a Young Adult as anyone between 18 -30 years of age.

GROW believes that everyone is of equal value regardless of age. However, there is a specific need to provide resources and help for Young Adults.
Below are some quotes related to Young Adult mental health courtesy of Headstrong.ie

• “ A number of recent studies have found that three-quarters of adults with a history of mental illness had clear signs of being in crisis when they were 18 years old.”
• “ The best estimates we have suggest that in Ireland, at any given time, 20% of adolescents and young adults experience serious emotional distress . Of these, only a tiny minority are in contact with any form of helping agency. Vital opportunities for early intervention are being missed.”
• “Suicide is now the leading cause of death in young men, aged 15-24 in Ireland. More than a quarter (26%) of all deaths by suicide between 2000 and 2004 occurred in young adults in their 20s. According to the World Health Organization, Ireland has the seventh highest rate of suicide in people aged 15-24 in the EU.”
• “The highest percentage of first admissions to Irish psychiatric in-patient facilities in Ireland in 2005 was in the 20-24 year old age group.”

• Early Intervention. When mental health problems are addressed early, it is much easier to get on the path to recovery.
• Similar Issues. Although everyone’s experiences are unique, there are many similar issues which affect Young Adult mental health in Ireland today. A GROW meeting is a safe environment where these issues can be discussed.
• Involvement. The first step is to become involved in your own mental health. GROW offers this to all who attend weekly meetings.
• “Having the opportunity to talk for a couple of hours a week to people who have gone through a similar experience is absolutely fantastic. Unlike relatives and friends, fellow GROW members do not judge one another, only support and encourage.” (GROW Young Adult member)