Engaging with Parents and Children in Mental Health Settings

These are free events designed for members of the public clinical mental health workforce in Victoria, (staff employed at Area Mental Health Services, Forensicare or mental health staff from RCH) and lived experience workforces (LEW) working in either public clinical or community mental health state-funded roles. Other workforce in partner organisations, such as AOD organisations or ACCHOs, may sometimes be eligible. Please note, if you do register for an event and it is not clear you are part of the intended audience, your registration will be confirmed two weeks prior to the event start date, or earlier.

This 2 hour presentation is designed for Adult mental health staff using a strengths perspective to identify, acknowledge and engage with parents with mental health challenges. It also looks at ways we can support their children and how to utilise the FaPMI program to provide further support and resources to assist families.

Delivery Mode – 2-hour Virtual Training Session

This course is delivered online. Sessions are hosted via Zoom. Participants can expect a didactic learning combined with video demonstration, and self-assessment based on work samples created in the workshop.

Presenters:

Angela Chalmers, Mercy Mental Health

I joined the FaPMI Program 3 years ago, which fuelled my passion for supporting and advocacy for families. My journey began when I trained as a Psychiatric Nurse in the 90s. I worked for many years within the Mercy Mental Health Perinatal Mental Health Services which lead to my interest in the impact of mental health experiences on families and exploring family support systems. A new ‘empty nester’ and trying to figure out this new stage of my life.

Sarah Dickenson, Peninsula Health

Sarah is a mental health nurse with over 20 years’ experience in mental health. She has worked in a variety of areas, predominantly in adult before starting work in FaPMI over 3 years ago. Sarah has a strong interest in mental health literacy, reducing the stigma attached to mental health and supporting parents and young people in families where mental health challenges are present. Sarah is surrounded by young people at home as well, parenting two amazing teenagers and volunteering as a Venturer Scout leader.