Free course about mental illness and substance abuse

A free course for the families and carers of those with a mental illness, Substance Use and Mental Illness, will be held at the Peninsula Community Centre on Wednesday, April 6.

This course will provide information about the issues involved in caring for someone with drug and alcohol and mental health issues.

The focus is on the caring role.

Key topics include the relationship between mental health and drug and alcohol abuse, the impact on families and carers, harm minimization, the Stages of Change model and recovery.

Key skills will include strategies for minimizing harm, identifying communication strategies based on stages of change and coping strategies for families and carers.

Registration starts at 9:45am and the course will run from 10am to 12:30pm with morning tea provided.

Childcare is not available.

To register for training or for more information contact the UnitingCare Mental Health and Family Carer Service on 4322 1855.

UnitingCare also runs a Family and Carer Mental Health Program support group at Umina that meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at Mingaletta, 6 Sydney Ave, Umina from 10am to 12pm.

The group is facilitated by a UnitingCare support worker and meets for tea, coffee, to chat and exchange stories of their experiences as carers.

The support group offers a safe place to talk with others who are going through similar experiences.

It provides time out for carers, offering opportunities for friendship and networking.

Carers can get tips from one another and share things they've found helpful.

Occasionally speakers are invited to talk about other services, courses and helpful information

Email, 15 Feb 2016

Tegan Jones, UnitingCare Mental Health