CHILDREN OF PARENTS

WHO EXPERIENCE MENTAL ILLNESS

& ADDICTIONS

From Waihou Bay to the East

Murupara in the South

To Katikati in the North

To the Kaimai’s in the West

…& everywhere in between

Bay of Plenty “SUPPORT ZONE”

WHAT OUR SERVICE OFFERS

Support & education for rangitahi (children & youth), aged from 6-17 years, with a parent or whanau

member who experience mental illness & addiction issues:

We offer: Individual support

Group programs

HOW IT WORKS

≈ Provides an opportunity for children & youth to learn about what mental illness is & it’s affects

≈ Learn useful coping skills that will build resiliency to support them through the tough times

≈ Opportunity to express themselves

≈ Participate in creative fun activities

≈ Encourage & develop peer networks

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT

≈ Children are provided with a care plan

≈ Have an opportunity to talk about their worries with a support worker who can relate to their experiences

≈ Work alongside their family/whanau to develop open communication

GROUP PROGRAMS≈ Age appropriate group programs…

≈ Learn about mental illness, feelings, stress & how to deal with these in healthy ways

≈ Identifying supports they can trust

≈ Plenty of fun

≈ To wrap it up a family celebration night

≈ Care plan to complete with their family/whanau

OUTCOMES

≈ To create a safe environment

≈ To empower children

≈ Lessen the negative effects & stresses

≈ Children who can express themselves

AN ADDED BONUS

Twice a year the East & West will meet up for a camp out with their peers

…JUST FOR FUN…

GRIEFGRIEF

GRIEFGRIEF

STATS

This group of rangitahi are 4 times more likely

to develop mental health problems…

substance abuse related disorders and personality disorders

RISK FACTORS≈ Blame, anger, anxiety or guilt

≈ Embarrassment & shame

≈ Isolation from peers , family, community

≈ Too much responsibility

≈ Problems at school, drug use and social relationships

≈ Higher risk of developing mood disorders, substance

misuse, & personality disorders

PROTECTIVE FACTORS

≈ A sense of being loved by their parent

≈ Support from immediate & extended family members

≈ Healthy engagement with adults outside the home

≈ An ability to express their feelings

≈ Self-esteem

≈ Sense of humour

≈ Good coping skills

≈ Healthy peer relationships

≈ Interest & success at school

PROTECTIVE FACTORS CONT…

Increasing a child's protective factors helps develop

his or her resiliency. Resilient children understand

that they are not responsible for their parent's

difficulties, and are able to bounce back & move

forward in spite of life's unique challenges.

RISKPROTECTIVE

QUESTION TIME…