Mind, one of Australia’s largest mental health service providers, will launch its ‘Building Family Skills Together’ (BFST) program for families in the Cities of Hume and Moreland this week.

The BFST program helps families whose lives are affected by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder to strengthen their support skills and ability to cope with mental illness.

The program, developed in the United Kingdom, has also proven to be effective in reducing relapse rates and hospitalisations, as well as minimising stress and anxiety felt by family, carers and friends close to individuals suffering mental illness.

Mind’s BFST program coordinator, Janet Glover, said individuals have a better chance of recovery when they have the support of their family and close friends.

“Families and close friends are a strong source of support for someone with mental illness, but in many cases, haven’t been provided with information or had access to education about the illness, such as how it affects their loved one or how to manage the challenges involved,” said Ms Glover.

“The BFST program works with the whole family to improve relationships, reduce stress, support recovery, and deal with the day-to-day challenges of mental illness.”

“Mind’s BFST program can work with families of all backgrounds, for example, by utilising interpreter services and it’s the first time in Victoria this type of program has been run outside clinical services.”

“Programs like this can have considerable positive effects on families, assisting the person with a mental illness to recover. This is why the Federal Government was keen to sponsor the pilot program.”

Mind currently has openings in its new program for residents living in the cities of Moreland and Hume whose health is impacted by schizophrenia or bi-polar disorder.

“The program begins with a family worker meeting with you and your family at home to talk about your situation, what is working well and what could be improved. The family worker then tailors a program of information, and skills that meet the family’s specific needs.”

For further information or to register, please contact the BFST program on (03) 9384 6544 or email: bfst@mindaustralia.org.au 

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