Carers & Families

At MIFNQ we understand that when a person is diagnosed with mental illness they are not the only ones affected by the diagnosis; carers, families and friends are all involved and need help and support.

Our education program Well Ways is designed for carers and families of people with mental illness.

We can also help with counselling for carers, family respite and support groups.

 Comments from Participants

"I really appreciated the facilitators’ excellent skills with the course, keeping on topic and yet incorporating personal and real life experiences. Difficult though it was for me to attend a group and talk openly to strangers about my daughter, gradually I learnt to accept this through the facilitators’ encouragement and warmth and understanding."

"Just the sheer fact of being part of a group is incredibly positive. This has helped me to be able to be confident talking with my family."

"This has been one of the best things about the course - linking a chain of action in case I have to face serious problems again in the future. Now I know who to call first."

"Had no knowledge before.  This has helped me understand what my som is going through and has provided me with skills to try and help or seek professional help and especially where to go."

"Knowledge is very beneficial."

"The information on communication has already helped me at home to solve abusive language used towards me by turning things around."

"I don't tend to cry every time something happens, now I have some coping skills."

"The networks and contacts I have made have helped me accept my situation better."

“I was so grateful a friend recommended the course as she had done it and thought it would be of benefit to me. I don't know what I would have done without the Well Ways Course, I was beside myself with worry over my daughter (suffering from anorexia & depression).”   

“The support shown and the course has been wonderful.  I have recommended the course to several other people as I know it will be of great benefit to them as it was for me.  It has made me a stronger person and more able to cope and understand  mental illness, thank you so much for your support when I could not find it anywhere else.”  

“Thank-you,  I have just had my first conversation with my son in three years.. that is without mumbling, aggression and incoherency!” There have been many more conversations since then.”

“The Course has given me more knowledge in who & how to seek help if required. I'm sure a lot of people out there would really benefit from the Course.”

“We are very happy to tell you that we have learned a lot at  the course. Everyone is so helpful and  understanding. It is also good to meet others with the same problem and learn and/or help them.”

“I would not miss my well ways and I will not miss my support group.  It is what keeps me going, it helps me cope, and gives me the only social outlet in my life without my daughter present”. I can breathe and be me and it helps me have the courage to challenge her to try things that will help her recover.”

“I have found the Well Ways Course very interesting & informative in many ways. Even though nearly each Carer has a different problem they all have similar symptoms, medications, recoveries  & stories etc. The Course has also given me deeper insight to understanding to the illness.”