Parents' School, Lifelong Learning for Mental Health (2001-2004)

Funded by

European Commission, DG Education and Training - Grundtvig Programme

Duration

From 2001 to 2004

Summary

Carers of people living with mental disorder play a pivotal role in the mental health system, yet their needs are often poorly recognised, understood, underestimated or overlooked entirely. Taking care of a relative who has a serious mental disorder can place profound strain not only on the primary carer but also on friends and other members of the family. Education/Support Groups offer many carers a way to 'unburden' themselves and learn among people who have faced similar challenges and, at the same time, these groups provide carers with some sense of control over an otherwise chaotic life experience.

Objectives

To create a training pack and European good practices in education for mental health addressed to parents of mentally ill offspring, NGO staff and specialists working in mental health;
To develop information, guidance and counseling services, for parents of mentally ill offspring;
To inspire lifelong learning interest in order to offer adequate help for people with mental health problems.

Activities and outcomes

Activities

1) Working groups created in each country and training was given to parents of mentally ill offspring, staff working with people with mental health problems and NGO staff members.

2) Meetings with parents were held in each country, to share their experiences and self-help groups were set up.

3) A training manual was created and tested with parents in 3 countries (Romania, Poland and the UK).

Outcomes

A trainer's manual was created and adapted for each country which will mainly be used by parents of mentally ill offspring but also by specialists and NGO staff for their parent's counselling and support sessions.