This Is The Title Slide Learning from a whole family approach for parents with a mental illness and their children InterAct #GYCConference16 #awaretheycare #youngcarers

Aims of service To minimise the impact of parental mental illness on dependent children To build family resilience through a whole family approach

The InterAct Programme Referral from adult mental health worker 6 – 12 sessions in the home Work with both parents & children individually & together Direct work with 6 – 18 year olds

The InterAct Programme Recognising strengths Coping strategies Family resilience Emotional wellbeing Moving forward together PARENTS Being listened to and heard Understanding more about mental illness Feeling safe sorted & supported Coping as a parent in difficult times Other factors affecting the family eg finance, housing) Talking together as a family CONNECTING THE WHOLE FAMILY Planning ahead Achievements Further help ReviewSupport plan CHILDREN

Messages Children Need to Hear You know how your parent’s mental health affects you and your family. It’s not your fault your parent has a mental illness. You didn’t cause it. You can’t catch mental illness, but just like physical health you can do things that could help your mental health.

Messages Parents Need to Hear I’m here to support you, not judge you. I recognise that you are a parent. Parenting can be tough. Most parents need support sometimes. It’s OK to talk about mental illness.

Top Tips General good practice Clarify what your role is Give the family your full attention Use a range of resources to work with different children & young people Be clear with the child that you won’t be there in the longer term but can help them access further support

R TRUST

Top Tips Parent Acknowledge parent as the expert in their own mental health When a parent is ‘given permission’ to talk to their child they are very open & honest with them – they want to talk! Care co-ordinator involvement helps enormously

Top Tips Child Regularly repeat the key messages Regularly revisit child’s understanding of the mental illness ‘Minds Myths and Me’ and ‘Safe Sorted and Supported’ are good resources

Top Tips Family Establish the terminology families wish you to use Adapt each session to meet the needs of the family Discuss confidentiality and information sharing Where there are physical & mental health issues - may need to remind parent to acknowledge their mental health needs Importance of community It’s often the little things that make the most difference

Outcomes Young Carers 100% improvement in understanding of parental mental ill health 90% feel more able to cope 70% improvement in family relationships, mental health & wellbeing and self esteem

Outcomes Parents 100% improvement in wellbeing 75% improvement in ability to carry out parenting responsibilities when experiencing mental ill health 75% improvement in family relationships Only 1 ‘no show’ from over 150 sessions

Feedback Young Carers: “helped me to understand my mum’s condition and how to help her through it.” “My mum now knows how things affect me and my sister.” “I feel I can talk to my mum about how she is.”

Feedback “I am good at taking my child out now.” “... enabled me to interact better with my child” “...has helped the children find their voice.” Parents:

Feedback Care Coordinators: “It was very helpful for the family as a whole to take on board that it is OK to talk about mum’s mental health issues and how these are understood by a young person.”

And finally..... Think family Get the whole picture Make a plan that works for everyone Check it’s working for the whole family