Connect with practitioners who support families living with mental illness

02 May 2014 Network Story

MHPN and COPMI (Children of Parents with a Mental Illness) are working together to support establishing interdisciplinary practitioner networks with a focus on supporting families living with parental mental illness. The networks will help:

foster a collaborative care approach that directly benefits families
strengthen professional relationships and enhance referral pathways between local practitioners and services, and
increase awareness of the relevant issues.

New Western Sydney COPMI network attracts respected guest speakers

The network’s first meeting was held at Westmead Hospital and attracted 12 practitioners. Two highly-credentialed guest speakers presented to the meeting.

Psychiatrist, Dr Adrian Falkov presented “The Family Model- an integrated approach to supporting mentally ill parents and their children” and clinical psychologist, Dr Brendan New presented “COPMI issues of relevance to children and families in out of home care.”

“The shared interest of those who attended ensured a lively and productive discussion. We look forward to welcoming new members to attend our future meetings,” said Dr Falkov, who is also the network’s coordinator.

Provide your details (including name and email address) if you are based in Western Sydney and would like to be invited to the group’s next meeting.

Contact MHPN to start a network in your area

If you’re interested in establishing a network with a focus on supporting families experiencing parental mental illness in your area, you’ll be supported the whole way.

Provide your details and an MHPN project officer will be in touch.

Alternatively, contact MHPN senior project officer Lauren Tyrell on 03 8662 6627 to learn more.