|
Have
you heard about the FEST program? Read on to discover
the reason for the excitement. Then contact Rita Hermann,
MSW, at the very bottom of this page!
NEXT
PROGRAM:
- Starts January 2009
- Register now to reserve
your space.
- This course is Free.
Welcome to our FEST
(Family Education, Support and Training) page! If you are
a family member with a mentally ill loved one, we may be able
to help you. Please read on to see if the FEST program is
for you...
FEST
would like to thank its sponsors:
It is unfortunate
that families have often been excluded from the treatment
of mental illness in the past. The tide is slowly turning
with an increasing availability of family education and support
groups serving to involve families more deeply in the treatment
process. In Washtenaw County the FEST program was developed
to meet the needs of families.
What is
FEST?
|
FEST is an eleven-week family education course that
aims to support and educate families who have loved
ones with a major mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar
or schizoaffective disorder, depression) by equipping
them with the tools they need to help themselves and
their ill loved ones maximize functioning and minimize
suffering. |
Who facilitates
it?
- NAMI consumers and family members
- Social workers and psychiatrists from the University of
Michigan and elsewhere
- Case managers from Community Support and Treatment Services
(CSTS, formerly Community Mental Health)
This unique collaboration
provides participants with access to information that is timely,
accurate and, in some cases, also rare.
What will
you learn?
|
- A basic understanding of mood and thought disorders
- The latest treatment interventions, including new
medications
- Resources within the community for financial assistance,
housing, legal issues and more...
- Communication skills that you can use with your
loved one
- A simple, but effective way to approach problem
solving
- An insider’s view (actually several) on living
and thriving with a mental illness
- Tools that will help you deal with stress, promote
self-care, and achieve more balance in your life.
|
How will
you benefit?
We believe that FEST helps families and their loved
ones by instilling hope, since these illnesses can improve
significantly. Many past participants have been enthusiastic
about the program because they find hope from recovering consumers,
families who have been through similar experiences, and compassionate
and knowledgeable professionals.
“I am…involved
in the FEST program and I cannot say enough about the quality
and quantity of information that is available through this
program. The facilitators are wonderful caring individuals
who have a tremendous range of knowledge. I am so thankful
for the dedication to the program of all concerned.”
2003 FEST participant
When is
it?
|
FEST courses are held twice a year: beginning in September
and January. Courses run for eleven consecutive weeks
(two hours each week), and we strongly encourage participants
to attend all sessions. |
What does
it cost?
This course is free. It is funded by the Washtenaw
Community Health Organization. However, courses fill up quickly,
so apply early!
Confidentiality:
Personal information is not shared with anyone outside
of the FEST program.
Registration:
Call Rita Hermann, MSW at (734) 663-5728 for information
or to register. |
