SMILES Program
SMILES stands for Simplifying Mental Illness + Life Enhancement Skills.
It is a program especially designed for 8-12 year olds whose Mum, Dad, brother or sister has a mental health problem such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression or anxiety.
Each SMILES program runs over 3 days during school holidays. It is a combination of games, activities, art and music and education about mental illness.
The program aims to help young people with a family member with a mental health problem to meet other young people in the same situation, feel less isolated, learn strategies for coping and have an opportunity to express themselves and their creativity in a safe environment. Each program is facilitated by trained professionals such as counsellors, social workers or teachers.
The cost is free.
