SMILES Program: Simplifying Mental Illness + Life Enhancement Skills.
TARGET GROUP: Children aged 8-12 yrs old who have a parent or sibling experiencing a mental health problem (specifically schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety).
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: 3 day program (9am-3pm) usually delivered during the school holiday period or a 6 week program (1 day a week, 4pm-6.30pm) delivered in conjunction with health services or appropriate non-government organisations. Minimum 8, maximum 10 participants. Resources are included as part of the program.
AIMS: To provide age-appropriate education about mental illness and life skills; to improve capacity to cope more effectively and increase resilience; to improve self-expression and creativity; to increase self-esteem and reduce feelings of isolation.
CONTENTS: Education about mental illness; communication exercises; problem solving; art work; music; interactive and relaxation exercises; peer support.
BACKGROUND: Developed in 1997 by Erica Pitman as a result of the increasing recognition that children in families affected by mental illness are a population ‘at risk’ for developing their own mental health problems. Erica has an Advanced Diploma of Applied Social Science, Certificate IV Workplace Training, Funeral Celebrant Training, Certificates of Management, is a clinically registered counsellor with the NSW Counsellors and Psychotherapists Association Inc (CMCAPA) and a registered member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia Inc (RMPACFA) and a registered supervisor of the Australian Counselling Association. Erica’s professional work is enhanced by her own experience as the sibling of her deceased brother who struggled with epilepsy and childhood schizophrenia.