The Minnesota chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness sponsors free support groups for families and friends of individuals living with a mental illness.

Led by trained facilitators who also have a family member with mental illness, the support groups try to help families develop better coping skills and find strength through sharing their experiences.

A family support group meets in Austin on the last Wednesday of each month, from 7-8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 1910 3rd Ave. NW. For information, call Shari at 507-433-2301.