Programs for children and youth of parents with a mental illness (peer support and education programs)

Our Space is a mental health promotion, illness-prevention and early intervention program. It aims to provide psycho-education, peer support to reduce feelings of isolation, opportunities to build resilience and coping skills, improve self-expression and creativity, as well as fostering a positive learning environment for children and parents, siblings or close relatives with a mental illness. […]

The AMEND Program provides an 18 session home-based relapse prevention and parenting enhancement program to pregnant and parenting women who experience problems related to their use of alcohol and other drugs. The program also provides individual or group counselling and support to children aged 0-18 affected by a parent’s or caregiver’s substance use. The AMEND […]

Kids with Confidence is a program for children and young people aged 7 to 18 years who have a member of their family who is affected by mental illness. The program provides a mixture of education and support. This is done through a range of family sessions, group programs, fun activities and resources including a […]

A joint project initiative between Barwon Health Mental Health and Glastonbury Community Services, operational since 2003. Funded as part of the statewide FAPMI with additional funding from Barwon Health and Glastonbury. Elements of the project include: Education of adult mental health staff, school, child and family sector. Facilitation of group programs for adolescents and primary […]

The Carer Consultant role supports the carers and families of mental health consumers in Mimidi Park, Rockingham General Hospital. The Carer Consultant runs support groups and education and training events. One-to-one support is provided by the Carer Consultant whereby information on mental health, the carers experience and support services for the carer and family can […]

The outreach service staff visit the families’ homes or where children and young people are most comfortable to meet. The COPMI Program offers the following: Individual counselling of children of parents affected by mental illness. Crisis planning and development of safety plans for children and their families. Identification of family support systems. Practical support for […]

Family to Family Workshop series – 6 sessions for the whole family where a parent experiences a mental illness. This partnership arises from the family members themselves saying “”what we really needed was a place where the whole family could learn and share together about mental illness and how it affects each of us””. The […]

ARAFMI offers FREE professional counselling and support to children/youth aged 8-18 years who have a friend or family member with a mental illness. The purpose of this counselling is to explain to the child/youth aspects of mental illness that their friend or family member experience. The counselling also explores the way the mental illness effects […]

The ARAFMI School Holiday Program is for young carers to come along and meet other young carers in a safe and friendly environment. The young carers are able to have some ‘time out’ from being in the carer role and have fun with other young carers who are in similar situations. The young carers participate […]

Changing Minds – Mental Health Truths is an innovative education program that dispels the myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness and promotes mental health and wellbeing. The program is provided in secondary schools, alternative education, TAFE institutes and workplaces. The program aims to reduce the stigma around mental illness and provides education and awareness about […]

The Individual Psychosocial Rehabilitation Support Services provide community support and independent housing for people with mental health related disabilities in the Salisbury and Elizabeth area. Support is provided in the areas of accessing and maintaining independent housing, daily living skills, community linkage and personal support to maintain health and wellbeing. The Individual Psychosocial Rehabilitation Support […]

Offspring is a group for young people who have a parent, carer or sibling with a diagnosed mental illness. The group runs over eight weeks and: provides education about mental illness gives young people an opportunity to share their experiences promotes the development of a plan in the case of their parent, carer or sibling […]

CASPAS is a program for children whose parent/s have a psychiatric disability. The program has several goals: Enhance the overall wellbeing of children where a parent/s have a psychiatric disability. Encourage and support a lifestyle as is enjoyed by other children and families within the community. Advocate and encourage existing services to improve supports for […]

Chillin’ runs a social support afternoon every Wednesday and Thursday for adolescents aged 11-17 years. Chillin’ features activities around mental health, healthy living, early intervention and prevention and social activities (eg football, swimming, beach, DVDs, games, art and music). Transport is available (collected from school and then dropped off at home).

e-Hub currently has five programs: All of the programs are anonymous, available 24/7 and free of charge to consumers: BluePages http://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 […]

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 7-12 years and adolescents 13-17 years who have a parent with mental illness. See a video about the program here: http://vimeo.com/74438154 Champs Camps is an early […]

ON FIRE is a strengths-based, peer support program offered under the auspices of the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW Inc. The ON FIRE vision is for children and young people to flourish. The purpose of ON FIRE is to cultivate greater hope, resilience and wellbeing in children and young people aged 8-17 years whose parents or […]

The Family Support Program recognises that building family resilience is the foundation for achieving positive outcomes. The Family Support Program 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.

The COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) program offers parents with mental illness (and/or substance misuse) and their children and families help and information through a range of interventions. Our Program Coordinators can provide you with more information on the below. A consultation/liaison service: We are available by email or phone to discuss […]