‘You Are Not Alone’ Lecture Event On July 24

The Bermuda Mental Health Foundation [BMHF] encourages the public to come and find out how to better support their loved ones on Monday, July 24th at 6.00pm at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

A spokesperson said, “The You Are Not Alone lecture event will serve to assist the community in better supporting family members with mental illness.

“On Monday, July 24, 2017 at 6:00pm, at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, the Bermuda Mental Health Foundation invites the public to participate in a forum featuring international keynote speaker, Chanelle Lawson.

“The topics [see below] that will be discussed are current support available to family members of those who are diagnosed with a mental illness, how can Bermuda increase support available to loved ones, and the importance of supporting the supporters along with other topics surrounding mental illness in Bermuda.

“Statistics show that the recovery process for those who suffer with a mental illness are more likely to recovery faster and less likely to have ongoing episodes if they have family support. Sometimes the supporter needs support and the Foundation recognizes the need to encourage the community to enhance our supportive programs. There is a direct correlation with family support and becoming mentally healthy, but often our families are not equipped with the supportive resources they need to assist their ill loved ones” says spokeswoman, Jodi Lewis.

“Chanelle Lawson is the owner of Offer A Hand Up Counseling in Greenwood, Indiana. Ms. Lawson is dedicated to offering individuals a helping hand up from the despairs of mental health and addiction through support, education, counseling, groups, and referrals. She was the Director of a number of child and family services in the State of North Carolina and helped start several supportive groups.

“She is a advocate of giving families the education and resources they need to care for their loved ones. Ms. Lawson has served with various addictions and behavioral health councils, provider coalitions, and Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment [IDDT] curriculum steering committees. She has also developed and facilitated various mental health and substance use specific training. Ms. Lawson has a great deal of experience in working with clients and their support systems of all ages, race, ethnic background, socioeconomic status and she has successfully completed cultural competency training.

“YANA will also feature local support group organizers Winston Rogers. Mr. Rogers is the Clinical Manager of the Rehab Team at MAWI responsible for the provision of community mental health services. He has more than 40 years of experience in the field of mental health.

“In addition, Chris Gibbons will take part in YANA. Following the loss of his 25-year-old daughter to suicide, Mr. Gibbons formed a support group – Losing Someone by Suicide – to help others who have been impacted by suicide.

“If you or a loved one suffers from a mental illness and you seek to learn about supportive resources available in Bermuda or are willing to work with the Foundation to create additional resources, YANA is an event that the Foundation encourages you to attend.

“YANA is free and open event to the public. For additional information about YANA please visit www.bmhf.bm or call 441-400-5634.

“Here are Questions and Topics that will be discussed:

• 1. How to get family members to feel comfortable with support groups?
• 2. What programs are available in other jurisdictions that encourage family support?
• 3. The benefits of strengthening families and equipping them with the resources they need to support their loved one?
• 4. How to avoid fatigue with support group facilitators?
• 5. How often should support groups meet?
• 6. What can the island of Bermuda do to enhance and strengthen families?”

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