The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) has announced an ongoing mental health support group available in Lehigh Acres. The nationally acclaimed program “NAMI Connections” is held in Lehigh at the Lehigh United Way House.

Meetings are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays.

A person interested can participate in either one meeting or come to both as all groups are different each week, said spokeswoman Sherri Trahin.

Sessions are free and open to all adults. Advance signup is not necessary. Participants are encouraged to attend whenever they wish, she said.

The group, which began in October will continue through the end of December. Anyone can join the groups any time, she said.

A support group is a safe environment that offers a place for persons experiencing mental health symptoms to share openly about themselves and the difficulties they are experiencing.

Attendees will learn from other’s experiences, share coping strategies and offer encouragement and support, Trahin said. Any person suffering from anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder, for example would benefit, she said.

Sherri Trahin is nationally trained in facilitating the programs. In addition to being certified by NAMI in hosting these groups, Trahin is a certified recovery peer specialist as well.

For more information, contact the Lehigh United Way House at 369-0177.