Mission Australia
Charity
Donate via PayPal
SMILES for youth starts Mental Health Month |
| 05 October 2011 |
 Mission Australia is kicking off Mental Health Month with a new program to help young people on the Mid North Coast of New South Wales cope with family mental health issues.Known as the SMILES (Simplifying Mental Illness + Life Enhancement Skills) program, this partnership between Mission Australia Family and Carer Mental Health Program and the Kempsey Community Mental Health Service helps young people to gain skills and build support networks that enable them to deal with a mother, father or sibling who has schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety. Children and young people who have a parent with a mental illness are frequently isolated from their peers as they assume responsibility as the care-giver. For this reason, an important aim of SMILES is to reduce this feeling of isolation and establish support networks. SMILES is also designed to help youth increase their ability to cope at home as well as explore their creativity and increase self-esteem. Some of the SMILES activities include age-appropriate education about mental illness and life skills, as well as interactive exercises such as problem-solving, artwork and music sessions. The program also teaches young people relaxation techniques. On Wednesday 5 October, we are running a SMILES session for children aged eight to 12. The next SMILES session, on Thursday 6 October, is for 13 to 18-year-olds. Both programs run from 9am to 3pm at the Crescent Head Community Hall (at the Rotunda in Baker Drive). Meals will be provided and transport can be arranged, but it is essential to call Mission Australia if you require it. Places are still available for both sessions. For more information please contact Claudia Richardson, Education and Training Coordinator, or Kelly Russell, Young Carers Coordinator, at Mission Australia’s Family and Carer Mental Health Program on (02) 6584 4147. Or call the Kempsey Community Mental Health Service on (02) 6562 0256 and leave your name and number.  |
News Updates
| Living with teens - north-west Sydney information nightsWednesday, 23 May 2012Mission Australia's Clifton Adolescent and Family Solutions (CAFS) and Youth Connections, in partnership with Hornsby Council, the GP Network and the Hills Schools Industry Partnership, are presenting a free series of information nights for parents living with teenagers.
The program will provide parents and carers with an opportunity to... + Read Full Story |
Miller Pathways celebrate Families WeekMonday, 21 May 2012Mission Australia’s child and family service in the Liverpool area, Miller Pathways, celebrated Families Week on Friday by hosting a free Community Fun Day.
The Federal Minister for Human Services, Senator Kim Carr, Federal Member for Fowler, Chris Hayes, and Mayor of Liverpool Wendy Waller all attended and officially opened the... + Read Full Story | More News Articles | ||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |