STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Staten Island chapter will offer free Staten Island support meetings for the families of people struggling with mental illness.

The meetings will begin in September.

NAMI Staten Island, a growing affiliate of the national organization, functions as a bridge between families and mental health physicians.

The support meetings

An in-person support group will meet every Tuesday from 6:30 to 9 p.m. in the Cespino-Russo American Legion Post, 200 McClean Ave., South Beach, which is temporary meeting location.

Another family support meeting will take place every Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the JCC of Staten Island, 1466 Manor Rd., Sea View.

An additional family support meeting is held there on Thursdays, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

The family-to-family support classes

For those seeking guidance and understanding of mental health conditions, classes will be offered from September through November 2025.

The classes will be held at 1130 South Ave., Bloomfield, beginning Thursday, Sept. 18.

Additional meeting dates are Sept. 25, Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23 and Nov. 6.

The meetings will take place from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on the building’s second floor.

Class participants will learn how to:

Solve problems and communicate effectivelyEnact self care and manage stress Handle a crisis

They will get up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain, as well as learning how to best support a loved one and empower themselves.

The classes are free, but registration is required.

For more information on the family support, and to confirm meeting times and locations, visit the NAMI website at namistatenisland.org. or by calling 1-718-477-1700.

Help is also available by calling the NAMI HelpLine, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 1-800-950-NAMI.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.