AICAFMHA:
promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
ABN 87 093 479 022
Discussion List Topic:
Providing information to families
Hi I am looking to conduct an information session for staff at The Smith Family Learning for Life Program in Brisbane in regards to assistance that is available for people (particularly children and youth) with mental illness. The Education Support Workers at The Smith Family adminsiter an educational support scholarship for disadvnataged children and youth, as well as providing support, guidance and encouragement. There are aproximately 3000 students on our program at the moment in QLD. We have become aware that a significant number of our clients suffer from, or a member of their family suffer from, a mental illness. I would like to provide information to the support workers to enable them to provide support, referrral and advice to our clients in dealing with these issues. I am keen to be able to provide to clients information on what resources exist and support them where ever we are able to. I would be thankful if someone could point me in the direction of who may be willing to provide such an information session to aproximately 20 staff at our centre in Newstead, Brisbane. Any ideas are welcome. Greg Mellis
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| Submitted: Mon 11th Feb 2002 |
Hi Greg, My name is Tina I'm the Senior CMH Worker at Coolibah Family Support Program, an NGO respite service for families where an adult member has a Psych Disability, (this includes young people who have parents with mental illness). I am also facilitating the long dormant YOUNG ARAFMI support group, starting 16th March from 10am-12noon for young people who have a parent with a mental illness at New Farm. This group will be held every third sat of the month. The Koping Forum is an interagency information sharing session (for the northside). Perhaps contacting the Project Officer Michelle Hegarty would help, she may be able to arrange for herself or another speaker to present the information & resources uncovered at the Koping Forums. We have just finished developing an educational video about the issues for young people who have parents with mental illness & it will be launched on the 22nd March. There is also a new "Referrals Pathway Process" for young people who have parents with mental illness- this can be sent out to you via Michelle. Her email address is michelle_hegarty@health.qld.gov.au Michelle may have further info about early intervention & prevention of young people developing Mental Illness themselves. ARAFMI 32541881 has information & booklets for sale about young people with parents with mental illness, The CEO Marj Bloor would be able to explain which ones would suit your needs. Good luck |
| Submitted: Tues 12th Feb 2002 |
Greg, I'm not sure if it is what you are seeking, but last year there was a program run in the Northern Suburbs of Melbourne by Anglicare called "Connect". I don't recall the contact details at all but if you were to contact MHSKY (Mental Health Services for Kids and Youth) I'm sure they would be able to point you in the right direction. The particular campuses of MHSKY that I know were involved were Royal Children's Hospital, Travancore and Broadmeadows Health Service. Sorry I can't help you out more. I do know though that it was an excellent program which whilst educating the kids about mental illness, also gave the kids and the parent (in this case it was the mother) a support group environment. I know that at the time it was being pilotted, however, from what I know, it was very successful. Regards, |
| Submitted: Tues 12th Feb 2002 |
Hi Greg I am the project Coordinator with the Schizophrenia Fellowship of South Queensland based in Fortitude Valley. Michelle Hegarty CYMHS North Brisabne would be your best source of information and she can be contacted at the listed email or on 3835 1434 at the Fellowship we have several resources for sale and in our library regarding children with parents with mental illness call 3358 4424 for further information. Michelle can also tell you about the Koping Forum Library that holds lots of interesting and helpful information. Tania
Withington |
| Submitted: Tues 12th Feb 2002 |
Greg YOu can contact Ms Michelle Hegarty on 38351444 at the CYMHS RCH & HSD to
arrange same and also discuss a range of options. MIchelle is currently away this week.
Michelle is located at Spring HIll michelle_hegarty@health.qld.gov.au - note the
underscore between names. |
| Submitted:Wed 13th Feb 2002 |
Greg, There are also available packages one is MIE-A (Mental Illness EducationAustralia) which was developed from the orignal ARAFMI (Association and Relative and Friends of the Mentally Ill) School Education Program. ARAFMI Brisbane at New Farm maybe a good place to start and they have speakers who talk to groups of people about mental illness. The other being "Mind Matters" which is available on the Internet. I can send you our COMIC Corner booklist and young carers websites that maybe useful information for you. Good luck with your endeavours! Yours in caring Nerrelle Goad Co-convenor COMIC (Children of Mentally Ill Consumers/Parents) Adelaide Email: comic.admin@bigpond.com |
| Submitted: Wed 13th Feb 2002 |
| greg we also have speakers with mental illness (specifically schizophrenia andbipolar) and family carers who speak to groups about thier experiences - give me a call if you would like to organise this - tania -schizophrenia fellowship - 3358 4424 |
| Submitted: Thurs 14th Feb 2002 |
Denisse, I have also taken the liberty of letting Greg know I will try to help. A joint CYMHS/UQC&A approach might be worthwhile... best wishes graham |
| Submitted: Thurs 14th Feb 2002 |
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