COPMI Project Update - (Sep 8, 2005)

AICAFMHA:
promoting mental health for young Australians
Australian Infant, Child, Adolescent and Family Mental Health Association Ltd
ABN 87 093 479 022

TheMHS

Congratulations to everyone who contributed to the ?copmi? stream at the TheMHS conference. The debate about children of parents with mental illness being recognised as carers, the workshop led by PATS (Paying Attention to Self) participants, the four COPMI symposia and the range of individual papers from around Australia ensured there was ?something for everyone?. It was great to see and hear young people, carers, consumers, service providers and researchers providing their different perspectives. It was also valuable to hear about some of the work being done in New Zealand, especially how consumer input was sought and subsequently greatly strengthened a ?copmi? project in the Hutt Valley area.

Congratulations too, to all who won achievement awards, especially those involved in ?copmi? related activities, including the ?Supporting Kids?, ?SKIPS? and ?KOPING? programs.

Paola Mason, Sue Garvin and I were delighted to meet and share COPMI resources with the many people who visited the AICAFMHA stand during the breaks.

?Tips? Section on the Website

Children, young people, parents, other family members and/or friends affected by parental mental health problems can now share a ?tip? with other people in similar situations to their own or with workers in the area. They can share what helped them cope in hard times or tell others about something that has been useful for them or their families.
Jessica Rowe, a newsreader with Network 10, knows 'first hand' about the impact that mental illness can have on a family and she has kindly provided the first ?Tip? for others in this new section on the website http://www.copmi.net.au.

National Resources for Young Carers ? launch of new resources

Young carers across the country are now able to get information on how to care for themselves while caring for others, on how to deal with tough times and feelings and on how to get the help they need.

The new resources include a new website at http://www.youngcarers.net.au where young carers can get information and support; a magazine with stories and tips from other young carers; a booklet for parents and families; some wallet-sized information cards and more. The resources are available from the Commonwealth Carers Resource Centre, phone 1800 242 636.

Elizabeth Fudge
Project Manager,
COPMI Initiative
Ph (08) 8161 6859
Fax (08) 81616983
fudgee@wch.sa.gov.au
PO Box 387, Stepney SA 5069
http://www.copmi.net.au