A peer support group for young people aged 13-18 years who have a parent with mental health issues.
A group is facilitated by Youth Workers, Counsellors and Psychologists from Ku-ring-gai Youth Development Service (KYDS). PATS aims to give young people the opportunity to learn more about mental health, explore ways of coping and meet other teenagers who share similar experiences.
The group will run for eight weeks, is free of charge and will run between 4.00pm and 6.00pm on Wednesdays. The group will be held at KYDS, 265 Pacific Highway, Lindfield. Transport costs (taxis) can be refunded.
The aim of the PATS Program is to increase young people’s knowledge of mental health and mental illness, to improve their help seeking behaviour and coping strategies and to improve their sense of connection to their peers, family and community.
Group topics will include:
- Understanding their parent’s illness.
- Improving their relationship with their parent.
- Communication and problem solving skills.
- Dealing with the stigma associated with mental health.
- Strategies to cope with their parent’s condition and to stay mentally healthy themselves.
The focus is on healthy thinking and healthy coping strategies.
Group activities include discussion, games role-plays, art and craft, guest speakers and social outings.