NAMI-Athens: Family to Family Education Course

Hand-to-Hand Education Courses

These free, nine week courses are designed for parents or guardians of children diagnosed with mental illnesses.

Taught by trained NAMI members, Hand to Hand examines the illnesses themselves, how they manifest themselves, medications, and strategies for helping the afflicted child. Of particular relevance to parents/guardians, these courses give information and advice on how to interact with school and public entities which also work with the children.

The Winter 2008 course is currently underway at the Nelsonville Children's Center. For the convenience of parents, both free child care and a light meal are being provided. Though registration for this round of H2H is closed, the course will be repeated. For information about future courses, contact Marsha Willan at 740-698-1733.

“Discovering that one’s child or partner has a major mental illness is a devastating experience” says NAMI member Tom Walker.

“At first, one feels frightened and hopeless. Family-to-Family, however, restores hope. In it, we learn that - with the new medications - a majority of mentally ill individuals can recover and lead fulfilling lives. The course balances basic psychoeducation and skills-training with emotional support, self care and empowerment. We hope families with relatives who have a serious mental illness will take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

All sessions are confidential and the course itself is free.