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Subscriber only Barbara Swain, founder of Mental Health Support Group, was named 2021 Ballina Shire Citizen of the Year. Twenty five years ago, Mrs Swain s son, Barry, lost his battle with depression. Two years later, she started providing toiletry packs and clothing to people in Lismore Base Mental Health Unit who didn t have family or friends to provide for them. She did this single-handedly for two years. A meeting with the Rotary Heath Mental Forum meant the formation of the Northern Rivers Mental Health Support Group (MHSG), an organisation run by volunteers that receives no government funding. Mrs Swain explained her son moved from the UK to Australia, and it was here he became unwell.