Mission Australia Family and Carer Mental Health Program

Transcription

1 FOUNDATION TOPICS These topics are important for all Mental Health Carers. Whether the carer is at the beginning of their journey or, has been doing it for a long time these topics can assist with reestablishing a sense of self by exploring the topics of resilience, loss and grief, mindfulness and more. These groups provide the opportunity to also hear the experiences of other carers and learn some valuable strategies to assist you in your Mental Health Carers Role. These topics will continue to be an integral component to our program. STRENGTHS-BASED COMMUNICATION FOR CARERS This interactive workshop explores the strengths-based approach in the context of communication. When we are experiencing challenges in our caring relationships we can default to a deficit frame of mind. This workshop assists carers with reframing personality traits and challenges using strengths based perspective. Carers will have the chance to practice new strategies in a supportive environment. UNDERSTANDING SELF CARE FOR CARERS Self- care for Mental Health Carers is very important. This workshop provides carers with the opportunity to reflect on their needs, strengths and values. These components are very important when writing up a self-care plan which will occur during this workshop. The impacts of stress on the brain and body are explored along with strategies for self-care. BUILDING RESILIENCE WITH CARERS Resilience for Carers is a great opportunity for those who attend to explore their self-care strategies and the importance of resilience. Resilience building as a concept will be unpacked and explored with the intention to inspire. Resilience is paramount for the longevity of caring as it is what is needed in times of crisis, ongoing management and coping. Resilience can also support carers to move beyond a sense of surviving and into thriving. Mission Australia Family and Carer Mental Health Program MENTAL HEALTH CARER EDUCATION CALENDAR Semester 1, 2018 (Feb June) STEPPING OFF THE MERRY GO ROUND Communicating with someone who is unwell can be challenging. How do we keep a healthy relationship between family members so that everyone is treated with respect? This workshop will explore ways to stay connected and communicate constructively when relationships are strained. UNDERSTANDING BOUNDARIES This workshop is designed to support carers with developing healthy boundaries by identifying what is already working and what they would like to be different in their lives. Basic Assertiveness and communication skills are taught in this session. This is a great workshop for any carer who is feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. CULTIVATING HOPE IN LOSS AND GRIEF This interactive workshop is designed to offer carers the opportunity to reflect on the emotional experience of loss and grief through their caring role. It also places great emphasis on the importance of developing and maintaining hope. This workshop draws on a wonderful resource written by Carers Australia An Unrecognised Grief- a Carer s Guide MINDFULNESS AND CULTIVATING STRENGTHS Everyone has strengths and the potential to develop them to be the best they can be. The reason strengths are so important is that everybody is at their most fulfilled and happiest when they are using the best parts of themselves, or their individual strengths. A daily mindfulness practice can enhance our strengths and help us to build or cultivate new ones. This workshop will explore all of the above.

2 SPECIAL INTEREST TOPICS Being a Mental Health Carer is a unique experience. These special interest topics allow each carer to attend education sessions which are relevant to their current circumstances. Some of these topics have been running for a number of years however we are very much looking forward to offering a number of new topics in See the list below. UNDERSTANDING DEPRESSION This workshop will cover information about what is depression, signs and symptoms, possible causes and treatments. Increase your understanding & awareness of depressive disorders to support your relative or friend. For your attendance it does not matter if they have a confirmed diagnosis or not. BORDERLINE PERSONALITY DISORDER Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a greatly misunderstood condition. This workshop will cover information about the characteristics of BPD and recommended treatments. This workshop will also explore the role of the carer in the relationship to their loved one who has this condition. There will be an opportunity to share some of your experiences as a carer too. UNDERSTANDING SELF-HARM Do you know someone who is self-harming? Do you want to find out a little more information about what is self-harm & why they are self-harming? During this workshop you will find out information about self-harm, its causes and ways to support your loved DEALING WITH AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOURS This morning workshop with Steve Carrigg will explore some of the triggers for aggression, what carers can do when someone is becoming aggressive and how carers can identify triggers. POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER Post-Traumatic Stress can be a reality for many carers and their loved one. This workshop will explore the signs and symptoms of this disorder and possible treatment options. UNDERSTANDING BI-POLAR MOOD DISORDER This workshop with Steve Carrigg will cover the diagnostic criteria for Bi-Polar. Information regarding treatment and support for people with Bi-Polar will also be explored in the context of carers own experiences. MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL MEDIA There is a growing body of research which has explored the connection between Mental Health and Social Media. This workshop will explore some of this research in the context of their caring role.

3 SPECIAL INTEREST TOPICS Cont d UNDERSTANDING SCHIZOPHRENIA Schizophrenia is one of the most complex mental illnesses. Attending this workshop may assist you with increasing your understanding of schizophrenia. Diagnostic criteria along with information on causes and treatment will be presented. TRAUMA INFORMED CARE This informative workshop with Mim Weber will explore the impact of inter-personal trauma on the body, the brain, and what that means for people. Safety will be discussed by examining why this is so important. Ideas about recovery from trauma will be explored as well as self-care for carers. UNDERSTANDING ANXIETY Anxiety is a prevalent disorder. Increase your understanding & awareness of anxiety disorders to support your relative or friend. For your attendance it does not matter if their have a confirmed diagnosis or not. Information session involves: Diagnostic information, detailing what anxiety is, as well as information on specific types of anxiety disorders and treatment options. SUPPORTING RECOVERY FOR CARERS What does Recovery mean? Recovery in the context of Mental Health will be unpacked in this workshop. Current theoretical perspectives and research based evidence will be presented on this topic. EXPERIENTIAL GROUPS 8 STAGES OF HEALING To assist carers to work through their own healing process by introducing alternatives to common patterns of coping it is possible to care for your loved one without losing sight of your own needs. The process works with the notion that healing ourselves assists with healing our family relationships and our community. Our own healing process is a life-long journey and this program is a catalyst for this process. WRITING FOR CARERS This is a fabulous program facilitated by Mary-Jane and is delivered in both Lismore and Tweed Heads. This program is one of vibrancy, skill building and fun. Carers who are participating in the current writing programs have commented on the enjoyment they are experiencing as they engage with creative and expressive writing exercises.

4 Area Topic Date/s Location Time Ballina Understanding Self Harm Wednesday, 14 th Feb Ballina Surf Club Jullum Room 5 7:30pm Mindful Walk Thursday 22 nd Feb Starting at Shaws Bay, Ballina 9 10:30am Mental Health and Social Media Wednesday, 11 th April Ballina Surf Club Jullum Room 5 7:30pm Supporting Recovery for Carers Wednesday, 13 th June Ballina Surf Club Jullum Room 5 7:30pm Support Group Marcia Owen (Living Medicine) Monday, 26 th Feb Ballina Surf Club Jullum Room 5 7pm Support Group Liz Dowling (Art Therapy) Monday, 26 th March Ballina Surf Club Jullum Room 5 7pm Support Group Mim Weber (Treatment update for Monday, 23 rd April Ballina Surf Club Jullum Room 5 7pm Borderline Personality Disorder) Support Group Sally Archer (Self Compassion for Monday, 28 th May Ballina Surf Club Jullum Room 5 7pm Carers) Byron Shire Building Resilience for Carers Thursday, 15 th Feb Byron Community College 9:30am 12:30pm Trauma Informed Care Mim Weber Thursday, 19 th April Byron Community College 9:30am -12:30pm Understanding Carer Role Thursday, 14 th June Byron Community College 9:30am -12:30pm Support Group - TBA Thursday, 22 nd March Neighbourhood Centre 9:30am 11:30am Tweed Heads Support Group - TBA Thursday, 24 th May Neighbourhood Centre 9:30am -11:30am Supporting Recovery for Carers Friday, 9 th Feb Tweed Heads Headspace 9:30am 12pm Dealing with Aggressive Behaviour Steve Carrigg Friday, 9 th March Tweed Heads Headspace 9:30am -12pm Understanding Self Harm Friday, 13 th April Tweed Heads Headspace 9:30am -12pm Relationships and Communication Rob Grimes Friday, 11 th May Tweed Heads Headspace 9:30am -12pm Mental Health and Social Media Friday 8 th June Tweed Heads Headspace 9:30am-12pm 8 Stages of Healing (8 Week Program) Tuesday Feb 13 th, 20 th, 27 th The Family Centre Tweed 10:30am-12:30pm March 6 th, 13 th, 20 th, 27 th April 3 rd. Writing for Carers (once a month) Frist Friday of the month Starts Feb Tweed Heads Bowls Club 9:30am -11:30am

5 Tweed Heads Support Group - TBA Thursday, 15 th March Tweed Heads Bowls Club 1 3pm Support Group TBA Thursday, 17 th May Tweed Heads Bowls Club 1 3pm Lismore Understanding Schizophrenia Wednesday, 21 st Feb Lismore Mission Australia Office 9:30am-12:30pm Understanding Bi-polar Steve Carrigg Thursday, 1 st March Lismore Mission Australia Office 9:30am 12:30pm Mindful Walk Friday, 23 rd March Lismore Rainforest Botanic Gardens 9am 10:30am Understanding Borderline Personality Disorder Thursday, 26 th April Lismore Mission Australia Office 9:30am -12:30pm Understanding Anxiety Wednesday, 9 th May, Lismore Mission Australia Office 9:30am -12:30pm Art and Movement Liz Dowling Friday, 18 th May TBA 10-2pm Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Wednesday, 20 th June Lismore Mission Australia Office 5:30pm -7:30pm Carer Resilience Workshops (4 week program) o Building Resilience with Carers o Understanding Boundaries o Understanding Self Care and Carer Role o Mindfulness and Strengths Writing for Carers (once a month) Wednesday March 7 th, 14 th, Lismore Heights Primary School 9:30am -12:30pm 21 st 28 th Last Tuesday of every month Lismore Mission Australia Office 9:30am-12:30pm Starts Feb 27 th Support Group Stepping Off the Merry Go Round Wednesday, 7 th Feb Lismore Mission Australia Office. 10am -12pm Support Group Supporting Recovery for Carers Wednesday, 2 nd May Lismore Mission Australia Office 10am- 12pm Support Group Strengths Based Communication Wednesday, 6 th June Lismore Mission Australia Office 10am-12pm Kyogle Support Group Understanding Depression Tuesday, 6 th Feb Kyogle Community Health 10am-12pm Support Group Understanding Mindfulness Tuesday, 1 st May Kyogle Community Health 10am-12pm Support Group Supporting Recovery for Carers Tuesday, 5 th June Kyogle Community Health 10am-12pm Casino Support Group Stepping Off the Merry Go Round Thursday, 8 th Feb Casino Neighbourhood Centre 10am-12pm Support Group Cultivating Hope in Loss and Grief Thursday, 3 rd May Casino Neighbourhood Centre 10am-12pm Support Group Understanding Anxiety & Depression Thursday, 7 th June Casino Neighbourhood Centre 10am-12pm