THE battle to overcome depression is a long-term struggle but Trevor Delaporte is no stranger to hard work.
His suffering with the condition spurred him to create a support group for people with the condition and after a year it is almost ready to start.
The group would be for sufferers as well as their partners and family members.
The South Yunderup resident has been joined by his wife Sheryl and Pinjarra physiotherapist Kerry Fenner in organising the group, which is due to launch in January.
The group put the call out for someone to design a logo earlier this year and Mrs Delaporte said the competition will be judged shortly.
“It will be judged by three people; someone with a marketing background, the Shire president and someone who will decide on the logos artistic value,” she said.
“We had a good response for the competition and there have been quite a few people interested in supporting the group.”
Mr Delaporte said he was glad to step back and let the “steering committee” of Mrs Delaporte and Ms Fenner work on the organisational parts of the group, so he could be involved once the group starts.
“We don’t claim to offer professional help but rather people in similar situations offering support or just a cup of coffee,” Mrs Delaporte said.
“Mental illness needs to be a high priority in all communities so it’s valuable to establish this group in Pinjarra.”
There will be a cabaret dinner to launch the event on January 17 at the Pinjarra Civic Centre.
ABC sports commentator Glen Mitchell, who has also struggled with depression will be the keynote speaker at the event.
Members of the Murray Music and Drama Club will provide the entertainment on the night and there will be other speakers and presentations.
“The night will launch the group and then we’ll meet every fortnight or month after that,” Mrs Delaporte said.
Mr Delaporte recently spoke about his condition at a Rotary Club meeting which was “a bit awkward” as he knew many people in the audience.
“It was good for me to get it off my chest and I wanted to show people that they are not alone, even though they may feel like it,” he said.
“I was overwhelmed by the response I got from people.”
Mr Delaporte has helped in the community for more than 28 years through work as a volunteer fire-fighter and a St John’s Ambulance officer.
Mr Delaporte said partners of attendees would be encouraged to attend the sessions to meet other people in the same situation as themselves and learn more about depression.
Tickets to the cabaret dinner on January 17 will go on sale shortly and anyone who is interested should call Trevor on 0408 937 182.
