Parents Group, Children’s School Holiday Program (CHAMPS) and Playgroup – Northern Melbourne area (including Darebin, Whittlesea)

Programs for parents with a mental illness (parenting courses and programs)

The Parents Group is held during Term 3 over eight weeks. It has a peer support focus, in order for parents to be able to share experiences and safely explore strategies that may reduce parenting stress and increase self-confidence. The group program includes guest speakers who address topics of interest for the parents; this includes a consumer who is a parent herself and who has previously participated in the Parent Group. The group is held over lunch time (and lunch is provided) to allow parents to pick up children from school.

The Children’s School Holiday Program (CHAMPS) is held over four days (Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday) during the September school holidays. This activity based group aims to provide children with a supportive space to meet other children who have a parent with a mental illness; to learn about mental illness, to further develop coping strategies and to have fun!

‘Our Time’ Playgroup is held every Thursday morning for parents with a mental illness and their young children. It provides a space for parents to play and interact with their baby or child in a safe and supportive environment with other parents. It is a time to nurture their child’s self-esteem and emotional resilience through shared activities.

Download Free COPMI Resources

For use by families where a parent has a mental illness, their supporters, and services who work with them.