Family Carers Ireland are pleased to have partnered with Mental Health Ireland to co-produce Mental Health and Family Caring . This five week online programme's aim is to support the supporters of people with mental health challenges. Our programme has been co-produced with family carers, supporters, people with lived experience of mental health challenges and service providers. By the end of the programme participants will have:

• Had time to reflect on and build tools and techniques to enhance their self-care
• Expanded their understanding of the concepts of mental health, mental illness and recovery
• Increased awareness around their boundaries with regard to personal wellbeing and the caring role
• Had an opportunity to learn about and practice communication skills and active listening techniques
• Learned about supports and services available for those who are caring

The programme will be co-delivered by staff from Mental Health Ireland, Family Carers Ireland, Family Carers, people with lived experience of mental health challenges and a number of other community partners and wellbeing specialists. For more information about the programme please contact training@mentalhealthireland.ie. Places are very limited so please consider if you are in a position to commit to the five weeks. If you can not commit to the five weeks please consider a shorter course or workshop with Family Carers Ireland. We currently run a short workshop Five Ways to Wellbeing during Tough Times. You can register for this workshop here. Our programme will be evaluated by Mental Health Ireland and Pobal where you will be asked for your feedback through short online forms. Pobal part fund the programme.

Respite

Family Carers Ireland are supporting requests for respite where possible for those who are participating in the programme. Where possible respite will be made available for half a day for each of the five weeks. Please ensure you tick the 'Request Respite' box on the registration details. Family Carers Ireland will be in touch to discuss respite.

Dates and Times

We have a morning and a separate afternoon programme. Mornings: Wednesdays, 11am to 1pm, 12th August – 9th Sept. Closing date for registrations: 29th July Afternoons: Wednesdays, 2pm – 4pm, 19th August – 16th Sept. Closing date for registrations: 5th August

Technology Requirement

To take part in the programme you will need a smart-phone, laptop, tablet, iPad or PC and a reliable internet connection. The programme will be delivered through Zoom. All materials will be sent out to you in advance of programme delivery.

Further Info

For more information about Family Carers Ireland please see: www.familycarers.ie. For more information on Mental Health Ireland please see: www.mentalhealthireland.ie.