COPMI News
New Program added - e-hub Online Health Services and Research (National) [link]
e-hub currently has five programs: All our programs are anonymous, available 24/7 and free of charge to consumers: - BluePages: www.bluepages.anu.edu.au Comprehensive, evidence-based information about depression and its treatment (including medical, psychological and alternative therapies). BluePages also includes interactive depression and anxiety quizzes, descriptions of the experience and symptoms of depression, a relaxation download, and extensive resources for help. Participation is free and anonymous. - BlueBoard: www.blueboard.anu.edu.au Online support group for people affected by depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety disorders. It aims to destigmatise mental disorders, and to provide support, hope and opportunities for sufferers and carers to share successful coping strategies. The group is run as a moderated bulletin board with strict protocols to enhance safety. Participation is free and anonymous. - MoodGYM: www.moodgym.anu.edu.au A popular interactive program that teaches cognitive-behaviour therapy skills for preventing and coping with depression. MoodGYM has been extensively researched and its effectiveness has been demonstrated in randomised controlled trials. Participation is free and anonymous. - e-couch: www.ecouch.anu.edu.au e-hub?s latest interactive self-help program includes modules for social anxiety, generalised anxiety and depression. It provides self-help training drawn from cognitive, behavioural and interpersonal therapies as well as relaxation and exercise. Participation is free and anonymous. Modules for panic disorder, bereavement and relationship breakdown will be deployed in 2010. - Beacon: www.beacon.anu.edu.au Provides consumers and professionals with information about e-health online applications for mental health and physical health disorders. Websites throughout the world are reviewed and ranked by a panel of health experts. Consumers can also submit rankings and comments. Participation is free and anonymous. ....
New Resource added - The SANE CD-ROM Guide to Psychosis [link]
Complete set of SANE guides, easy-to-read booklets on mental illness and related issues written in everyday language. Includes 16 booklets on bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, consumers, families, children & young people, medication and other treatments, healthy living, staying alive, drugs, reducing stigma, mental illness in the workplace, getting back to work and quitting smoking. Designed specifically for people with mental illness and their families.....
New Program added - KOPING Program - Bundaberg [link]
KOPING for adolescents 12-18 years - contact Janelle or Bob for program dates. Chillin' - run every Thursday afternoon for adolescents aged 11-17 years - social support afternoon. Activities around mental health and healthy living, early intervention and prevention, social activities like football, swimming, beach, dvd, games, art and music. Transport available for pick up from school and taking home.....
New Resource added - Mia's Dad is Strange [link]
This illustrated book (along with 'Mark's Mum is Depressed) for children and families, has been produced by the National Family Association Promoting Mental Health in Tampere, Finland in 2003. They were both developed for children under 12 years of age with the intention of explaining the effects of a parent's psychosis (Mia) and depression (Mark) on a child's everyday life. The books cost 5 Euro each (plus postage) and can be ordered by emailing 'The National Family Association from Promoting Mental Health in Tampere' - see English page on their website for details.....
New Program added - Little Munchkin's Supported Playgroup for COPMI, Victoria [link]
A supported playgroup for children of parents with mental illness. A weekly play-based program that engages parents in play with their infant/pre-school children, and addresses parental attachment and bonding through observation of other parents and playgroup facilitator. Parents help with setting up equipment, welcoming other new families, are included in planning playgroup activities, interact with other parents and children and contribute to content of playgroup newsletter and fund-raising.....
New Program added - Young Carers Intiitative New England [link]
GOAL To enhance resilience in 14-24 year olds who are the children of parents with a mental illness being case managed by Tamworth Community Mental Health Team or inpatients at Banksia Mental Health Unit. OBJECTIVES - Provide young people with a resource pack to enhance resilience and coping strategies by using positive psychology techniques. - Develop a local social networking group on Facebook providing young people a forum to develop peer supports and access to information on mental illness. - Evaluate effectiveness of resource pack and Facebook group as a six month pilot project. ....
New Resource added - National Children?s and Youth Law Centre [link]
The NCYLC is Australia's national community legal centre dedicated to representing the rights and interests of children and young people. The Centre provides advice and information about the law to children and young people and also works with those who support and advocate for children.....
COPMI News Update 4 Nov 2009 [link]
The latest COPMI News Update has been added to the website....
New Resource added - Early Childhood Newletter 'Snippets' [link]
Newsletter 'Snippets' for inclusion in early childhood centre's or service's newletters or notices.....
New Resource added - Just Being Me [link]
Produced in conjunction with MindMatters, this book is a package of ideas for middle schools teachers using Helicopter Man and/or Lockie Leonard, Legend as class texts and who are interested in the following potential outcomes for students: - increasing students? understanding of mental illness and its potential affect on families - reducing the stigma associated with mental illness - increasing students? help seeking behaviours. Ideas provided are mainly for use in English classes with associated links for Health and Physical Education, Society and Environment, Maths, Arts, Science and Design and Technology. ....
New Resource added - Helping To Piece The Puzzle Together: An Early Childhood Worker supplement to Piecing the Puzzle Together [link]
An associated resource to assist early childhood workers who work with children and families where a parent has a mental illness or mental health problem. It was produced with input from staff in child care centres and junior primary education.....
New Resource added - Piecing The Puzzle Together: Raising young people when mental illness is part of your life [link]
This booklet is for people living with a mental health problem or mental illness, whose children are aged between 2 and 7 years. It?s also for partners, family and friends. It contains helpful ideas about being the best parent you can when you?re not as well as you?d like to be and ways to support your child?s development during their special early years. Produced in consultation with consumers, carers, workers, academics and policy makers. ....
New Resource added - The Bipolar Bear Family: When a Parent Has Bipolar Disorder [link]
The Bipolar Bear Family is a story about a young cub who struggles to understand his mother's behavior and her subsequent diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. The story of The Bipolar Bear Family helps children of bipolar parents address such questions as: Is this my fault? Is it contagious? Can I fix it?According to the National Institute for Mental Health, Bipolar Disorder affects more than 2 million American adults. Further, we know that the dynamics of Mental Illness closely mirror the dynamics of alcoholism and addiction in its impact on the family system. By compassionately educating parents and children, the author hopes to make a life-long difference for these courageous families.....
COPMI News Update 16 September 2009 [link]
The latest news Update has been added to the COPMI website.....
COPMI News Update 12 August 2009 [link]
The latest News Update has been added to the News section....
News Update 17 July 2009 [link]
The latest News Update has been added to the COPMI website....
New Resource added - Family to Family [link]
Ruah Community Services and COMIC WA have launched a series of booklets called 'Family to Family - Telling it like it is'. This series of booklets was produced by a group of consumers and carers reflecting on their experiences of managing family life and raising children whilst managing the affects of mental illness, in collaboration with Ruah Community Services. There are five booklets in the series: - Our stories - Children and parenting - Families and recovery - Going to hospital - Working things out as a family The booklets can be found on the Ruah website in the 'Latest news' link. To enquire about ordering the booklets email perspectives@ruah.com.au with the word 'booklets' in the subject line.....
New Resource added - Family Support Plan [link]
The Family Safety Plan is aimed at minimising the disruption that occurs when a parent is hospitalised. It can be used when the parent or caregiver is well and the information can be shared with those providing support. It specifies emergency care options, custodial restrictions, medical requirements/medications etc, school/daycare contacts, children?s routines and needs etc.....
News Update 9 June 2009 [link]
The latest News Update has been added to the website.....
When a parent is hospitalised: the impact on children. [link]
New edition of GEMS - Edition 5 (May 2009). This edition discusses some of the issues for children when a parent is hospitalised. Recommendations and clinical implications are discussed. Authored by Harry Sivec & Patricia Masterson.....
New Program added - FaPMI Eastern Region Melbourne [link]
Champs - primary school aged children 8-12 Types of programs include: - After school programs - 8-10 week during school term, various locations in region - School holiday programs for four days various locations - Kids Club monthly program for 'graduates' of Champs programs. - Champs camps approximately twice a year, depending on funding. All programs utilise a model of peer support and provide opportunities for children to gain a good understanding about mental illness. Referrals: Children and families can self refer or be referred by a worker/case manager/medical practitioner. No cost to attend programs.Assistance with transport, childcare and respite may be arranged. Program information is available at http://www.easternhealth.org.au/champs/ Any other information ....
News Update 20 May 2009 [link]
The latest COPMI News Update has been posted to the COPMI website.....
Mental health nurse 'child risk' [link]
BBC News has an article which states that children may be being put at risk because nurses carrying out assessments on mothers with mental illnesses do not have enough training, an expert says. For the full story click on the attached link.....
New Program added - AMEND (Assisting Mothers End the Need for Drugs) Child Counselling Program [link]
Child counselling program, & a drug and alcohol, and mental health relapse prevention and management program for pregnant and parenting women. THE AMEND PROGRAM AT A GLANCE... ? is a drug and mental health relapse prevention and management program for pregnant and parenting women. ? is a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) based relapse prevention program ? also offers Child Counselling - counselling and support to children and young people between ages 5-17 who have been affected by a significant other?s substance use or their own ? offers up to 18 one-hour counselling sessions in the client?s home ? is entirely voluntary and free of charge CHILD COUNSELLING PROGRAM ? Counselling and support to children and young people between ages 5-17 who have been affected by a significant other?s substance use or their own OUR STAFF: Amend offers specialised, confidential counselling from qualified professionals. GEOGRAPHIC REGION: Counselling to women and children is a voluntary, home-based program, offers up to 18 one hour sessions of individual counselling on a weekly or fortnightly basis, available free of charge to clients who live - - within the greater Brisbane region ? from Burpengary to Waterford and from Wynnum West to Ferny Grove, and; - on the Gold Coast, from Runaway Bay to Coolangatta ....
New Resource added - Depression? Making a Difference Through Community Action: A Planning Guide. [link]
This Guide aims to: - Build awareness and acceptance of the need for a family-focused, community-driven approach - Strengthen the capacity of communities to mobilise around a significant public health issue - Promote the use of state, local and even neighborhood partners - Spur strategic thinking that leads to effective community action and change. ....
New edition of GEMS - Edition 4 (March 2009) Children of parents with dual diagnosis [link]
This edition discusses some of the issues for both children and parents where a parent has dual diagnosis. The impact on children, possible interventions as well as barriers to service access are also discussed. Authored by Stefan Greunert.....
News Update 11 March 2009 now posted [link]
The next in the regular news updates on the COPMI initiative has now been posted.....
New Program added - Northern Beaches COPMI Clinician [link]
The Northern Beaches Mental Health Service has one part time COPMI clinician. The clinician works across adult and child and adolescent mental health as well as with other statutory and non government agencies to promote best practice in working with parents who have a mental illness and their children (0-18) The role includes the following activities 1. Clinical interventions for children, parents/families where a parent has a mental illness: This may include issues around parenting capacity, child behaviour, psycho-education and other assessments and interventions depending on need 2.Education and training for mental health and other staff who work with families where a parent has a mental illness. 3. Consultation and resource provision for mental health staff and others. 4. Development of best practice guidelines and clinical pathways to support best practice with COPMI families. ....
New Program added - Mental Health ACT COPMI Program [link]
The COPMI program aims to promote the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people who have a parent affected by mental illness. The program engages with Mental Health ACT and the broader community.Its key functions include coordination, training, networking,resource promotion,awareness raising and consultation. An intersectoral Steering Committee guides the program. It aims to improve the ACT Community's identification, response and support of COPMI families and enhance the opportunities to develop the community's capacity to provide appropriate and sustainable interventions and programs to address the varying needs of this population. ....
News Update 18 Feb 2009 [link]
The next edition of the regular COPMI News Update has been published on the website.....
New Program added - KOPMI Implementation Project: - South Brisbane [link]
The KOPMI Implementation Project is a joint initiative of the Princess Alexandra Hospital, Division of Mental Health and the Mater Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS). The project is guided by the document 'Principles and Actions for Services and People Working with Children of Parents with a Mental Illness' (AICAFMHA, 2004). Project Aim: To develop a model of service delivery that provides a seamless referral system, clinical pathways and collaborative service provision for families in the PAH/Mater catchment area where a parent is living with a mental illness. Key objectives: - Increase awareness and knowledge of the needs of children, young people and families where a parent is living with a mental illness. - Ensure processes are in place within Mental Health services to support the ongoing, identification and appropriate referral of parents, and COPMI children and young people. - Provide staff education and professional development opportunities to ensure clinical practices are responsive to the needs of children, young people and parents. - Liaison & collaboration between PAH & Mater CYMHS in order to develop programs, information and resources for children, parents and families living with Mental Illness. - Establish/develop working partnerships with local Govt & non-Government agencies to promote and improve the provision of services to families where a parent has a mental illness. Staffing: The project has 2 fulltime equivalent positions, one based at the PAH Adult Mental Health Service and one based at Mater CYMHS. CURRENT PROGRAMS ? Staff training and development program ? regular service - wide orientation and in-service training is provided to staff of the mental health services along with one-off sessions (by request) to teams. Consultation service - KOPMI program staff are available for discussion regarding assistance and support that may need to be provided for COPMI families in our catchment area. We can provide information, resources and referral options to Mental Health and other health, education and community sector workers. KOPMI Implementation project Group Programs: Kidz Club Groups Mater Child and Youth Mental Health Services have a ten year history of coordinating Kidz Club Groups. This group is a supportive and educative group for primary school children who have parents or relatives living with diagnosed mental illness. The Kidz Club groups are currently open to primary children living in the Brisbane area information and referral forms can be requested by contacting The KOPMI Program Coordinator Mater Child and Youth Mental Health Service Mater CYMHS Day Program, Ph. (07) 3163 8650 Email: CYMHS.kidzclub@mater.org.au Website: www.kidsinmind.org.au The group currently consists of an assessment/intake interview, two consecutive one day workshops held during the holidays and a booster group held the following school holidays. See list of Kidz Club groups on this site. The Parent Trail A Creative group for Parents Living with Mental Illness. This is a collaborative group currently co-facilitated by, the KOPMI program co-coordinator at Mater Children and Youth Mental Health Service, and the Hub Coordinator from Kyabra Community Association Inc. The group runs over 10 weeks on Tuesday mornings at Kyabra Community Association, Kyabra Street, Runcorn, South Brisbane. There is free child care available and transport can be arranged. The Parent Trail focus is on art, music and relaxation and uses the metaphor of bush walking to assist parents to focus on safety for both themselves and families. Referrals and inquiries can be made by contacting: Maggie Wilson who is the Kids of Parents with a Mental Illness Program Co-ordinator working with kids at Mater Kids in Mind, CYMHS. She is an art therapist who uses art as a tool for self expression and community capacity building. Contact 9-5 Monday to Friday (07) 3163 8650. Or contact Trish Landsberger who is part of the Child and Youth Services at Kyabra. Trish has years of experience working with young children and over time has gained some insight into how they function in the world. Trish has also spent time studying Creative Arts Therapy and Gestalt Therapy. Contact 9-5 Monday to Friday (07) 3373 9435 Yeronga CYMHS KOPMI Adolescent Community Group Group members need to be attending Yeronga Child and Youth Mental Health Service in order to be able to participate in this group and to have a relative living with mental illness. Referrals and inquiries can be made to Yeronga CYMHS intake officer or the KOPMI Program coordinator (07) 3163 8650. KOPMI Yeronga Community Groups will be held every second and fourth Wed of the month during school terms starting on Wed 25th Feb. The focus of the group in 2009 will include; finding ways of being together that involve creative ideas that cost little money, improving communication skills with friends, family members and educational providers. The Yeronga KOPMI Adolescent Community Group includes a full day school holiday workshop held on the Wednesdays of each holiday. Themes for the day are chosen by the group members and the facilitators. Kidz Club Training A Kidz Club Training Day will be held on Friday August 7th 2009 .Mater CYMHS Training Rooms. Phone (07) 31638650 Email: CYMHS.kidzclub@mater.org.au ....
COPMI News Updates now active [link]
The new COPMI News Updates section of the website is now active. Regular one page news updates will be added aproximately every three weeks.....
New Resource added - Parental substance misuse and children?s entry into Alternative Care in South Australia, 2006 (Research Bulletin) [link]
This study has focused on the extent to which problematic alcohol and substance use are factors influencing children?s entry into care. It has also collected a range of data relating to family circumstances and problems; the impact on children and the services provided in response and outcomes. Findings have implications for both the child protection and drug and alcohol fields, in relation to policy, strategy and service delivery.....
New Resource added - SCIE Research Briefing 29: Black and minority ethnic parents with mental health problems and their children [link]
Social Care Institute for Excellence - Briefing 29. This briefing explores the issue of UK black and minority ethnic (BME) parents with mental health problems. Main findings are that BME parents with mental health problems are more likely to experience poverty, discrimination and difficulties in accessing effective and appropriate mental health services, are more commonly reluctant to access mental health services and are more poorly serviced by mental health services. ....
New Program added - COMIC WA [link]
To inform and educate the community to have a better understanding of what it is like to live with a mental illness. To raise awareness of recovery from mental illness and the things that help or hinder the process of recovery for children parents and families. ....
New Program added - MIFWA FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM [link]
Family support program recognises that building family resilience is the foundation for achieving positive outcomes. FSP will - promote and develop resilience and recovery in families. - assist in the prevention of unnecessary hardship through early prevention strategies - assist families to participate in community life. ....
New Program added - Partnership with Parents in inner Sydney [link]
We work with vulnerable families with under 5s in inner Sydney. These may be parents who have mental health struggles,developmental delays, younger parents, Aboriginal families, families who have drug or alcohol involvement, or have DoCS involvement. We try to build parent's trust, develop relationships and support them in their parenting. We run a baby group at the Redfern Early Childhood Health clinic. We run a fortnightly parenting group. We also run regular Cooking courses. We do some one-to-one family support work. ....
New Program added - Taz Kidz Clubs, Champs Camps and Parenting Support Programs [link]
Taz Kidz Clubs is an early intervention program designed to prevent mental health difficulties in at risk children and young people. Psycho-social educational groups are run for children aged 8-12 years and adolescents 13-18 years who have a parent with mental illness. Champs Camps is an early intervention program that provides a range of support and activities including peer support, indoor and outdoor activities, as well as psycho-education over a two to three day period. Parenting Support is an early intervention and prevention program designed to provide support, education and enhance the social connectedness of Tasmania parents managing an identified mental illness while parenting. ....
New GEMS - Edition 3 Dec 2008 : Children of parents with mental illness and their family relationships [link]
This edition discusses principles in working with parents and children together and how to engage children. The authors are Vicki Cowling & Matthew Garrett.....
New Resource added - To Be Delighted In: What we want and need: a baby's view. [link]
A book for parents about what a baby needs. Written from the baby's perspective, this book details the developmental stages of babies in their first 6 months. It describes their needs and wants and their their methods of signaling or communicating these to their parents/carers.....
New Program added - Kidz Club - Bundaberg COPMI [link]
Kidz Club is a program designed for children aged 5-12, living with someone with a Mental Illness. This program is designed to offer support for children while learning about mental illness in a safe, non-judgmental environment with a focus on fun and....
New Program added - Growing Together School Holiday Program [link]
We offer a FREE school holiday program for school aged children/teenagers who have a parent with a mental illness. We have a waiting list for anyone interested, and groups are run on a needs basis. The groups are run offered to similar ages such as 8 to ....
New Program added - Family Inclusion Network-NSW - Central Coast Outreach [link]
FIN-NSW was developed to support families/parents who have children in out-of-home care (OOHC)or are at risk of losing their children through the child protection system. Parents with a mental illness make up a substantial proportion of these families. FI....
New Program added - Koping Adolescent Peer Group Program - Warwick, and Stanthorpe [link]
The Warwick/Stanthorpe KOPING Adolescent Peer Group Program is based on the same model as the Brisbane program, with some minor adaptations to make it more suitable to rural areas. The program was established in Warwick in 2008 and endeavours to meet the ....
New Program added - OurSpace: Metro South COPMI Program [link]
OurSpace is an early intervention program, providing psycho-education, ongoing peer support, opportunities to build resilience and coping skills, as well as a safe and caring environment for children with parents, siblings or close relatives with a mental....
New Resource added - Big and Me [link]
Big and Small are machines that work together as a team. But some days Big goes a bit wobbly, and Small gets worried. Big malfunctions in a variety of ways and Small tries to help with the assistance of The Boss and Mechanic. The story is a metaphor fo....
New Resource added - Being Seen and Heard: The needs of children with parents with a mental health illness [link]
Workforce development for professionals Training tool for all professionals The Royal College of Psychiatrists was involved with the development of this multi-media training package for professionals who work with adults with mental illness. It provid....
New Resource added - KOPING Adolescent Program Facilitators Manual and KOPING DVD [link]
The KOPING DVD and accompanying CD ROM resource has been developed to support children, young people and their families whose parent/s are living with a mental illness or dual diagnosis by providing information about other young people?s experiences, ways....
New Resource added - 7 Steps to Safety kit [link]
7 Steps to Safety - a kit for parents and carers of children of all ages. It can help give children the skills and confidence they need to feel and be safe at home. Each step can be adapted to suit the needs of individual children, families and cultures. ....
GEMS Edition 2 is now available from the COPMI website. [link]
Edition 2 - 'Children who care for parents with mental illness: A UK perspective'....
Childhood stress linked to emotional disorders. 'Three years on: Survey of the emotional development and well-being of children and young people.' [link]
Childhood stress link to emotional disorders - This 2007 survey followed up the second national survey of children's mental health carried out in 2004. Full report downloadable from the UK Office for National Statistics News Release. ....
New Resource added - The extent and impact of parental mental health problems on families and the acceptability, accessibility and effectiveness of interventions - Searchable database. [link]
The Social Care Institute for Excellence in UK conducted a systematic mapping project on 'The extent and impact of parental mental health problems on families and the acceptability, accessibility and effectiveness of interventions'. Using selected inclusion criteria the mapping resulted in a listing of reference details for 754 articles/documents. Searches can be conducted by going to: http://eppi.ioe.ac.uk/webdatabases/Intro.aspx?ID=9. The full report describing the mapping project can be found on: http://www.scie.org.uk/publications/map/map01.asp....
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