Families where a parent has a mental illness (FaPMI)
The FaPMI (Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness) Program works with agencies across Barwon Region to improve support for parents and carers, children, young people and families. We do this by:
- Building shared understanding through fact sheets, books and resources
- Partnering with services to co-ordinate and deliver peer support programs for children.
- Providing training, support and resources including secondary consultation for services who work with families where a parent has a mental illness
FaPMI’s vision is of healthy family relationships. Relationships are the foundation of child development and support stable mental health. The FaPMI program recognises the strengths and resilience of all family members and works together with families and services to promote this. We believe that family-focused practice is everybody’s business.
Referrals
Referrals to this program (except for Kids Club) are made internally through Barwon Health Mental Health Services.
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Group Referrals - Kids Club
Kids Club is a peer support program for children of parents/relative who have a mental illness/substance abuse issues. Kids Club is designed for children 9yrs - 12yrs, upper primary school, although we do sometimes have children a little older or younger depending on their level of maturity. The group runs after-school hours from 4pm-5.30pm, usually on a Wednesday for 8 weeks. Our last group activity involves a fun outing to celebrate the end of the group.
Resources:
The Orange Door: Help and support for family violence and families in need of support with the wellbeing and development of children.
Family violence support and extra help for children and families (orangedoor.vic.gov.au)
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Satellite Foundation: Connects and empowers children and young people who have a family member living with mental health challenges. They offer camps, online groups, in person groups, art activities and more.
Satellite Foundation | Creativity and connection for mental health and wellbeing
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Litte Dreamers: works across a range of direct support programs, both in person and online, to improve the quality of life of Young Carers across five key areas, education, employment, mental and physical health, social wellbeing and financial literacy.
https://www.littledreamers.org.au/
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COPMI has developed information for children, young people, parents, and their family and friends about parents and parenting with a mental illness to support the wellbeing of children and young people. This information complemented online training courses for professionals to support families either individually or through community services and programs.
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Young Carers Vic has information and resources for young people and families, links to financial and emotional support.
Young Carers | Carers Victoria
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Mental health and Wellbeing Connect Centres: Free for families, carers and supporters. Wellways in partnership with Tandem delivers Connect Centres in Gippsland and Barwon South Western Victoria providing information, resources, and lived experience peer support.
Last Modified: Wednesday, 20 March 2024
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