SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN MENTAL ILLNESS CANTERBURY

Few of us are familiar with what to do when someone becomes mentally unwell. Mental health services are a mystery to many of us and society mental illness carries the additional burden of stigma. Often acquaintances and friends melt away, partners leave - unable to cope, families fracture, tolerance is strained and love changes. It does not have to be this way. Families can make a positive difference and aid in the recovery of the person who is unwell. You are not alone. We are here to provide support, education and advocacy to those close to people with a mental illness.

We are a community organisation providing free support for families, whānau and those close to people with a mental illness. We have a fieldworker service and can arrange to meet with you at our offices, in your home, or another convenient place. We facilitate and run social and support groups. We also provide a family-to-family peer support service, a support/education group especially for children with a family member who has a mental illness, and a Family Connections (BPD/EMotion Dysregulation) programme.

Staff are also available to talk with you on the phone during working hours. Arrangements can be made for after hours appointments.

We offer families and those close to someone with a mental illness a Fieldworker Service that provides:

• Support - individual & group
• Home Visits
• Education
• Information
• Advocacy
• Family Connections (BPD/ Emotional Dysregulation) Programme
• Children Understanding Mental Illness Programme
• WAVES (Adults Bereaved by Suicide) Programme
• Family Peer Support

Staff are also available to talk with you on the phone during work hours. Arrangements can be made for after hours appointments. All services are free and confidential.

Hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm