MIE Qld Inc
A Member of Mental Illness Australia Inc
SCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAM INFORMATION SHEET
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The School Education Program works by bringing people with a mental illness, their families and friends into the classroom to work directly with students, using their personal experiences and insights within a set curriculum to provide an interactive framework for understanding and awareness of what mental illness means; of the types of issues faced by people with mental illness; their families and friends; and the support and the services available in the community.
The key focus and strength of the School Education Program is our volunteer presenters.
THE ORGANISATION BEHIND THE PROGRAM
The School Education Program began in Sydney’s Inner West in 1987 (under the auspice of ARAFMI) and continued on a totally voluntary basis for the next five years and began its funded operations in 1992 with a grant from the Australian Youth Foundation to develop the Program Nationally. The Program became an independent incorporated association in March, 1995.
THE PROGRAM IS UNIQUE BECAUSE
It has been developed and is presented by people with the personal experience of the effects of mental illness.
Class presenters are chosen for their personal qualities and life experience rather than academic qualifications.
That our presenters are willing to discuss at first-hand, personal experience is a tribute to their courage and commitment, as well as a measure of the pressing need to bring mental illness into the open, and so take a first step towards dispelling the stigma so often attached to it.
The School Education Program is a grass roots activity in operation. It’s low-key style is non-threatening and informal.
WHY IS THE PROGRAM SO IMPORTANT?
Through this Program we are working to replace the fear, ignorance and misunderstanding that lie at the root of negative community attitudes; with a real understanding of what mental illness is and means. A network of support is becoming available because young people are gaining insight and understanding; fears are being allayed; myths are being dispelled; a way to relate to people with mental illness is being learnt, as is a way to relate to school friends in whose family there is someone with a mental illness.
THE AIMS OF THE PROGRAM ARE:
- To provide accurate information about mental illness. This helps correct the many myths and misconceptions surrounding mental illness and breaks down associated stigma and isolation.
- To hear from those who have experienced mental illness first hand, which encourages students to understand the issues faced by people with mental illness, their families and friends.
- To allow young people living with mental illness in their family to know that their feelings can be understood by others. It alerts them to available supports and resources.
THE PRESENTATION INCLUDES:
- Basic information is given of depression, anorexia nervosa, bi-polar disorder, schizophrenia, etc.
- Facts and statistics.
- Students awareness of their own mental health is stimulated through discussion of contributing factors and coping mechanisms.
- Community attitudes and impact including contributory and risk factors.
- Personal experiences and insights of living with a mental illness.
- Valuable contacts in the community offering support.
HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
Up Front:
A Presentation team of two presenters (who are selected on the basis of set criteria and who undergo a training course, assessment and periodic reviews), work with a class of students for two periods.
At the end of the presentation each student is given an information sheet on the issues discussed, and the teacher is provided with a resource kit for follow-up classes if desired.
Behind the Scenes:
Co-ordinators (paid and unpaid) are responsible for contacting school principals, promoting the Program, scheduling presentation times, and ensuring adequate supplies of presentation materials.
We have numerous programs to suit different educational facilities and all our lecturers receive a complete training program free of cost and at all times receive support from both local co-ordinators and state office.
If you would like more information on the School Education Program, please contact us.
Mental Illness Education – Queensland Inc
School Education Programme
(A member of Mental Illness Education – Australia Inc, and World Federation of Mental Health)
DO YOU WISH PEOPLE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT MENTAL ILLNESS?
The School Education Programme brings people with mental illness and their relatives and friends into schools to speak personally to young people, giving them information and insight into their experiences.
In this way we are helping to foster a future generation with accurate and realistic views of mental illness, in place of the myths that abound in our community; and compassion and understanding of the difficulties faced by people living with mental illness and their families and friends – all too often today the objects of prejudice and stigma.
If you
- have experienced a mental illness;
- are a relative or friend of someone who has;
- can relate well to young people; and
- would feel comfortable talking about your experiences,
WE NEED CLASS PRESENTERS AND BEHIND-THE-SCENES HELPERS IN ALL AREAS TO DEVELOP THIS EXCITING PROGRAMME.
If you would like more information please contact us.
Mental Illness Education Qld Inc is financially supported by Qld. Health Dept. – Mental Health Branch
