Family Connections

Being connected. Staying connected

When a person experiences psychosis, it can be a difficult time for both them and their family. However there is much that family members can do to help their relative recover. 

What is the Family Connections Program?

The Illawarra Institute for Mental Health at the University of Wollongong in collaboration with the University of Queensland are offering family members who have a relative with psychosis the opportunity to take part in a correspondence based support program. We hope that this program will improve family member’s knowledge and understanding of illness and recovery and will lead to better relationships, improved quality of life and wellbeing.

What is the program about? 

‘Family Connections’ provides information and support to families who have a relative with psychosis. Family members will receive one of two programs that are mailed to them over a 12-month period. Both programs help families build on their strengths to deal with this difficult challenge. Program material includes for example practical information and resources about psychosis, its management, mental health services, and the journey to recovery for the relative and their family. All material is delivered by mail and can be completed at one’s own pace and convenience.

What will the program involve? 

Participants in the programs will be asked to:

• Complete a screening telephone interview.  This will make sure that the program is suitable. This should take about 15 minutes at most. 
• Read program material the research team will send over the next 12 months, and complete activities as required. 
• Complete a phone interview and questionnaire on entry into the program and again at 6 and 12 months.

People in the program can of course stop at any time if they wish. 

Who is eligible to take part in the program?

Family members who have a relative with psychosis

NOTE: Whilst the Family Connections program was originally developed for young people with psychosis (under 25 yrs) we have broadened our eligibility criteria to include any family member who has a relative with psychosis. This was due to recognised demand in the community both among service providers and families.

How do I find out more about the program?

Interested? Call our free call line on 1800153340. We would love to hear from you. You can also read our brochure for more information click here.

Sample of program material

See below for a sneak preview of some of the Family Connections program materials from the information booklet and newsletters. Unfortunately, because it is a research program we can't show you too much in advance. Hopefully it is enough to give you an idea of the quality of the program materials and a snapshot of some of the program content. If you like what you see give us a call on 1800 153 340. It could be arriving in your mail box shortly!

Example of key content included in the Information Booklet (96 pages):
Psychosis, Facts, Some of the signs, As parents, First episode psychosis, Prodrome, Acute, Recovery, Diagnosis, The psychosis diagnosis, Is it or isn’t it, Not set in stone, What causes psychosis? Making sense of psychosis, Substance use and psychosis, Cannabis and psychosis, How many people use cannabis? Why do people use cannabis? The impact of cannabis use, does cannabis cause psychosis? Who is at most risk from cannabis use? What are the signs that someone may have a drug problem? Do drug problems cause mental illness or does mental illness cause drug problems? How common are drug problems among people who have a mental illness? Alcohol and drugs what can you do? The treatment challenge, Antipsychotic medication, What types of antipsychotic medication are there? What about injections-depot medication? Are there any side effects? Which one is the right one? Other medications? Cognitive behavioural therapy, what other kinds of treatment and supports are available? Rehabilitation day programs, Mutual support groups, financial assistance, and Complementary therapies.

Click on the images below to view a larger pdf version of the Newsletter cover.