What is FAMI Club Who can join FAMI Club? Are there any financial costs? What are the benefits? How do I join the club? What will happen after I join? What happens with my information? Can I withdraw my membership? What if some members of my family don't want to be involved? How can I find out more information?

What is the FAMI club?

F.A.M.I. stands for Families Affected by Mental health Issues and the purpose of the FAMI club is to support families (with children 0-18 years), where one or both parents experience mental health issues.

Did you know that 1 in every 5 people will have a mental health problem at some time in their life? Being a parent is rewarding, but can also be very challenging - more so if a parent is struggling with ill health.

"I thought it was just my family" (Belinda- wife and mother of 3)

Growing up with a parent who experiences mental health problems can be very confusing

"I used to think that maybe it was my fault" (Luke 13yrs)

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

The FAMI Club seeks to provide a safe and supportive milieu where families can feel respected, empowered and grow strategies that are likely to enhance the resilience of family members and reduce the impact of illness on family members.

Who can join FAMI Club?

• Parents who experience any mental health issues (with children under 18 years)
• FAMI Club caters for all levels of mental health issues.
• Partners of a parent experiencing mental health issues (with children under 18 years)
• Children and young people under 18 years that have a parent who experiences any mental health issues
• Extended family who is involved in supporting and caring for children where a parent is experiencing mental health issues.

Are there any financial costs?

There are no membership costs, and we try to organise free or low cost activities which you can choose to participate in.

What are the benefits of being a member?

• You will receive an information pack, which contains family friendly information about mental illness and family issues.
• An optional "Please ask about my family" sticker to go on a file, allowing the case worker and health professionals to work with you to consider, how to best support you.
• Access to age appropriate information and resources.
• Information and referrals for a range of supportive and helpful services in the community.
• Free or low cost tickets / activities for children, parents and families.
• An option to have an initial consultation with a member of your Child and Adolescent counselling team, to support the family.
• Periodic invitations to information evenings/discussion groups, family consult sessions and child or youth support groups.
• A newsletter, with information, discussion and stories, about families managing mental illness.
• Sharing and networking with others who share similar experiences.
• Opportunities to give feedback to services, about how they can best support parents, children, adolescents and partners.

How do I join the club?

Simply complete and send the enrolment form to us via post, fax or email. Alternatively, you can telephone the FAMI Office and a Project Officer will take your details and enrol you over the phone.

What will happen after I join?

You will be contacted by a FAMI Project Officer and advised we have received your enrolment form. The Project Officer may talk with you about how your family would like to benefit from the club and inform you of current activities. You will then receive information in the mail or by phone to inform you of club activities. If your family would like some further support or information, you can contact the FAMI Office, we would be happy to help.

What happens with my personal information?

We do not provide case management therefore no case files are kept regarding your family. Your personal information which you provide us is maintained in the FAMI Office and is only accessed by FAMI Project workers unless you give us permission to share information with relevant others. However, from time to time, we are required to provide information to others if we believe there is significant risk to anyone. If you would like to know more please ask us for a copy of the NSW Health "Privacy Information for Patients" pamphlet.

Can I withdraw my membership?

Yes, membership is voluntary and you can withdraw membership at any time.

What if some members of my family don't want to be involved?

Any participation is voluntary; you can still be involved even if other family members do not wish to participate. We do collect demographic information on the family; however you can ask for information to be sent to you alone.

How can I find out more information?

Please contact the FAMI Project Office for more information:

Telephone: Mobile: Fax:	8877 5283 0410 411 538 8877 5320
Address:	FAMI Club C/o Northern Sydney Carer Support Service Locked bag 2220 Macquarie Hospital North Ryde NSW 1670
Email:	mcevans@nsccahs.health.nsw.gov.au