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For more information on any of these programs, contact the NAMI KY  office at 1-800-257-5081; or (502) 245-5284.

The NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is a FREE 12-week course for family caregivers of individuals with severe brain disorders (mental illnesses). The course is taught by trained family members. All instruction and course materials are free for class participants.

The Family-to-Family curriculum focuses on schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depression), clinical depression, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The course discusses the clinical treatment of these illnesses and teaches the knowledge and skills that family members need to cope more effectively.

Family-to-Family classes are offered in hundreds of communities across the country, in two Canadian provinces, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

2009 FAMILY-to-FAMILY CLASSES:

Contact you affiliate to see when they are offering a new class.

NAMI Support Groups

(FOR Current Support Group Meetings across the state, see FILE at bottom of page)

  The NAMI Support Group model (formerly called the "Family-to-Family Support Group model") operates differently than other, more traditional "share-and-care" groups. The NAMI Support Group model offers a set of key structures and group processes for facilitators to use in common support group scenarios. These structures come with clear guidelines to follow.  Used together, they encourage full group participation in support group meetings. The structures of the new model feel comfortable for both seasoned and less-experienced facilitators because they guide the support group along in every situation.

     As a facilitator, how do you ensure that a support group starts and stops on time? What do you do if someone monopolizes all of the group’s time? How should you handle disrespectful group members? What should you do if someone brings up a "hot potato" subject such as suicide or involuntary commitment? What about someone who seems to have a problem that’s just not solvable? How do you ensure that quiet members in the group get a chance to participate?

     Support group facilitators face these issues in their groups every day. And effective support group facilitators are the key to making any support group experience positive and productive. The NAMI Facilitator Skills Support Group training enables support group facilitators to run useful, helpful support groups. NAMI affiliates know that effective support groups are a key facet of NAMI’s grassroots organization.

To schedule an In Our Own Voice presentation for FREE in your area, contact the state office: 1-800-257-5081.

What It Is:

• A presentation by consumers that creates awareness about recovery from mental illness.
• A powerful anti-stigma tool to change hearts, minds, and attitudes about mental illness.
• An opportunity for consumers to gain self-confidence, self-esteem, and income while serving as role models for the community.
• Living proof that recovery from mental illness is an ongoing reality.

The Presentation:

• Hear from people who have struggled with disorders such as depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other severe mental illnesses.
• A brief video features consumers speaking about the topics of Dark Days, Acceptance, Treatment, Coping Skills, and Successes, Hopes, and Dreams.
• Gain insight into how people with serious mental illnesses cope with the realities of their disorders while reclaiming productive lives.
• Ask questions from the real experts -- the consumers are the ones who "have been there."
• A Take Home Folder is distributed to all attendees, which includes resources and an opportunity for program evaluation.

The Audience:

• Consumers…in day programs, inpatient settings, support groups, and other community settings who can share, learn, and find hope for successful living.
• Family and friends…who may need further reassurance of the possibility of recovery for their loved ones.
• Health care providers…who desire strengthened communication with their clients and improved outcomes.
• Law enforcement officials…to increase awareness of and sensitivity to behaviors triggered by mental illness.
• Faith communities…to increase responsiveness to people with mental illnesses who may first turn to their spiritual community for guidance.
• Students…of various age levels, who wish to expand their knowledge of living with mental illness.
• Any community or civic organization…who may be interested in learning more about mental illnesses and recovery.

NAMI KY is offering training to become an IOOV Presenter. If interested, click on  the link below.

Out of the Shadows: A Parent Education Program

This11-week educational course specifically for families of children who have mental illness was developed by NAMI Maine and has been adopted by NAMI  KY. The course is taught by trained family members who are active in our regional support groups. The curriculum covers the diagnosis of mental illness in childhood, normal child and adolescent development, treatments offered for the disorders, resource information, how to collaborate with schools and mental health rights information. Coping strategies for dealing with the stresses associated with having a child who has mental illness are incorporated into the program. The goal of this educational program is to provide families with important information and support that they need to help provide the needed treatment and care of their children who are suffering with mental illness.

PARENTS AND TEACHERS AS ALLIES

To schedule this FREE inservice presentation for your school staff,, contact the state office: 1-800-257-5081.

NAMI PROVIDER EDUCATION COURSE

The NAMI Provider Education Course combines Family-to-Family course material (5 chapters) with new material written especially for mental health providers and staff. The course is taught by trained family members, consumers and providers.

The provider curriculum is offered in 10 sessions(over 30 hours):1)Orientation - the collaborative model, 2) Clinical Bases, 3) The major mental illnesses, 4) Types of mood disorders, co-occurring disorders, panic disorder, and OCD, 5) Research into the biological bases of mental illnesses, 6) Mdication review, 7) Inside mental illness, 8) Responding effectively to families in Stage II, 9) Meeting the whole family, 10) Advocacy and helping families and consumers in Stage III, CEU certification. The course is sponsored by Magellan Health Services through NAMI. Contact NAMI-KY for information, 245-5284.

Related Files

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