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Basics Education Program
Basics is a free 6 week course for parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illness. The course is taught by trained parents. The course is designed to provide the fundalmentals of caring for you, your family and your child with mental illness. All instruction and course materials are free for class participants. To learn more about course content refer to the detailed listing. Or view the promotional flyer.The Basics curriculum focuses on:
- Recognition of mental illness as a continuing traumatic event for a child and the family
- Sensitivity to the subjective emotional issues faced by family caregivers and well children in the family
- Recognition of the need to help ameliorate the day-to-day objective burdens of care and management
- Gaining confidence and stamina for what can be a life-long role of family understanding and support, and
- Empowerment of family caregivers as effective advocates for their children.
Where can I find Basics Education classes?
Basics classes are now being offered in communities throughout the state, including:
- Roanoke - Contact Diane Kelly at (540) 344-0931
- Virginia Beach - Contact Carolyn at (757) 385-0802
- Chesapeake - Contact Debbie Bond at (757) 739-2878
- Northern Virginia - Contact Kristen Duda at (703) 915-2641
- Loudoun Co. - Contact Louise Hancock at (703) 728-7981 - Next class scheduled for April 12, 2012
- Prince William Co. - Contact Jeri Weeks at (703) 590-0783
- Richmond - Contact Kathy Harkey at 804-883-7528
- Winchester - Contact Ami Mitchell at (540) 869-1116
- Portsmouth - Contact Paul or MaryLou Taylor at (757) 421-2597 - Next class scheduled for April 5, 2012
NAMI Virginia offers Basics Trainings
Thanks to everyone who has committed to this wonderful program, we had a great training in March!
If interested in learning moure about becoming a teacher for Basics please contact NAMI Virginia Director of Programs, Sarah Eisenman at seisenman@namivirginia.org.
Who would make a good teacher? Parents or primary caregivers of a children or adolescents who began experiencing symptoms of mental health issues prior to the age of 13 (it is not necessary that the child have been formally diagnosed prior to 13), those who are at a point in their lives where they feel comfortable with the emotional issues families face and can self-disclose about their own feelings of guilt, anger, shame, etc., willing to undergo an intensive weekend training on the curriculum, and someone who is willing to become a member of NAMI and dedicate to teaching the 15-hour course once trained.
Affiliate and Basics Program Leaders' Resources
Please make sure to check out resources on the Basics Program found under 'Resources for Strengthening your NAMI Program to help your program succeed!
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