Family Support
The Family Support Program at WOTCH provides services to the family, friends and care-givers of those who live with serious mental illness. Using a recovery-focused approach, the Family Support Worker assists care-givers by teaching them about mental illness, assisting them to develop a crisis plan and giving them the opportunity to share their struggles in a supportive environment. WOTCH is dedicated to giving family members and care-givers the tools that are necessary to become fully engaged in the recovery process of their loved one.
Family Education: The "Family Education Program" is a group education series that is offered to provide information on mental health issues, describe the recovery process and facilitate the development of positive coping strategies for concerned family members. This series is 8 weeks long and is open to the community. The "Family Recovery Program" is a group education series that focuses on the family recovery process and is 5 weeks in duration.
Support Groups: "Inspiring Recovery Together" is a mutual support group for family members and friends who have a loved one living with mental illness. The group participants will share common experiences with mental health, provide mutual support and problem solving, and learn about community resources. The "Inspiring Recovery Together" group meets twice a month in the evenings and is open to the community. Please contact WOTCH for information about the dates and times of these meetings. Link to flyer click here.
Family Wellness Group "Time For You" is an ongoing program that takes place on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month. The purpose is for the informal caregiver to learn tips and tools that will assist them in the quest for physical and emotional health. Link to flyer click here.
Individual Support: A Family Support Worker is available to meet individually with family members to assess their needs, link to community resources, provide psycho-education and help them develop a more positive relationship with their ill family member. This service is provided on a short term basis only and is not meant to replace traditional counseling services.
The WOTCH Family Support Program partners with various other mental health agencies to provide quality support and education to family members in London through the Family Service Network. To see a full list of the Network's participating agencies and programs they offer, click here.
Upcoming Events
If you are a parent or caregiver of a teen that you suspect is struggling with a mental health issue, Thriving in 2010 and Beyond is hosting a FREE community event intended to help you recognize the symptoms. Please join us on Thursday, October 21st at the London Convention Centre for “Youth: 911 – Supporting the Mental Wellness of Our Teens” to better understand mental illness and gain some resources and tools to help. Click here for more info and registration details.
For further information, please contact Sabrina Andrews at 519-668-0624, ext. 227
