A range of FaPMI activities have been undertaken in the LCSM Region focusing on training and education, policy development, and creating strong links with partner organisation. In mid-2009 a second FaPMI consultant was appointed enabling greater scope in the range of FaPMI activities undertaken throughout the Region including:
Consultation to Child FIRST and Integrated Family Services
A key focus in the LCSM Region has been developing a sustainable partnership with Child FIRST. The FaPMI consultants now has regular consultation visits to the North Central Victorian Family Services Alliance Child FIRST. The consultants are also developing policies to support this role and a strategic education program to enhance the work of family services throughout the Region.
Training
Inpartnership with the Bendigo and District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC) and support from the Central Victorian General Practice Network, FaPMI has assisted in the delivery of Mental Health First Aid training to all BDAC staff and FaPMI specific training for Family and Children Services Wellbeing and Health Unit staff.
Regular training is provided to mental health service clinicians and tailored education sessions to network partners such as teachers and family services.
FaPMI curriculum is included in the Bendigo Health Graduate Nurse Program Psychiatry stream and FaPMI presentations are also made to undergraduate social work students at La Trobe University Bendigo. Further work is being undertaken on the inclusiveness of course content within an integrated care framework.
Service Linkages
Practice examples include FaPMI contributing to maintaining the Children Services Network that promotes cross sector training and networking in the child and family sectors. FaPMI also convenes the Acute Psychiatric Inpatient and Child First and Psychiatric Disability and Rehabilitation Support Services (PDRSS) liaison meetings.
Brokerage Fund
Local policies have been developed to enable the distribution of the FaPMI brokerage fund. To date, the fund has been used to directly support greater social participation for families, create more child-friendly spaces within the clinical mental health service and purchase resources that can be accessed by children and families.
Young Carers
In partnership with a Golden City Support Services the FaPMI consultants are developing a program to support young carers, including the development of a young carers peer leadership program.
Kids with Confidence (KWC)
A Bendigo based peer support program. KWC offers psycho-education and activity based group programs for primary school aged child, and a peer support program for adolescents. The program also provides assistance with program development.
Perinatal mental health
In partnership with the Women’s Mental Health Officer the consultants are undertaking activities to support parents mental health during the perinatal period.
Contact:
Francis McCormick and Cait Fraser
Weds and Thursdays
Psychiatric Services, Centre Rural Mental Health.
