Arafmi offers FREE professional counselling and support to children/youth aged 8-18 years who have a friend or family member with a mental illness. The purpose of this counselling is to explain to the child/youth aspects of mental illness that their friend or family member experience. Counselling also explores the way the mental illness effects the family member/friends interactions with the young person. Through discussion, the program aims to assist the child in developing healthy coping strategies and the development of positive self-image, self esteem, and confidence.

The service is available to those who reside north or north-east of the swan river. Counselling can be provided on an outreach basis at schools or at an Arafmi office (Perth, Whitfords, Mirrabooka, and Midland).

To be eligible for the program clients must meet the following criteria:

• Aged 8-18 years of age;
• Resides in Arafmi's catchment area-north or north east of the Swan River;
• Have a family member or friend with a mental illness;
• Ability to meet with a counsellor in an Arafmi office or school within the catchment area; and
• Parent and client consent to engagement in the Youth Services program/s (parental consent only required if child is less than 15 years of age).

The Youth Services Counselling program provides the following to clients:

• Education on mental illness;
• Advocacy and referral;
• Liaison with schools and parents/guardians;
• Counselling and support;
• Development of healthy coping strategies;
• Development of positive self-image, self esteem and confidence;
• Safety plans e.g. what to do in an emergency or if someone is unwell;
• Provision of information on services available e.g. 24 hours counselling lines; and
• Referral to the Arrafmi holiday programs for respite.

Counselling appointments operate from 20-60 minutes on a weekly or fortnightly basis depending on need, availability and ability to engage. Counselling is short-term and solution-focussed. However, the number of sessions offered can depend on the child’s individual needs.

Inquiries can be made by calling the Arafmi head office on (08) 9427 7100.

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