The Wagga mother said the educational course has given her a new outlook as she cares for a teenager with a mental illness.

“I learnt how to handle certain situations and also recognise early warning signs,” Karene said.

“The workshop also made me mindful of the importance of looking after yourself in addition to who you are caring for.”

Conducted by trained mental health and carer support staff, the course is specifically for families of individuals affected by mental illness or alcohol and other drugs.

“It’s extremely informative not only from a carer’s perspective, but for anyone working in the mental health sector,” Karene said.

“The facilitators are knowledgeable and easy to talk to.”

Workshops are facilitated by The Richmond Fellowship of NSW, Calvary Health Care Alcohol and Other Drugs Services, Catholic Healthcare, Greater Southern Area Health Service and Carer Assist.

One of the 12-week courses is nearing completion in Wagga.

Any parent, spouse, sibling, adult child, friend or relative of a person with co-existing mental health issues and/or alcohol and other drug use problems is encouraged to contact The Richmond Fellowship of NSW on 6921 5269 for more information.