Final Report
Building Resilient Families Action Research Initiative Project
August 30th, 2005
by
Nanaimo Family Life Association
1070 Townsite Road
Nanaimo, B.C. V9S 1M6

 

 

1. Executive Summary:
The Building Resilient Families Project proposed to provide comprehensive support to families with significant parental mental health issues in the Nanaimo region. This was provided by offering psycho educational groups and support to the parents, youth, children and natural support people (ie: extended family members such as grandparents, neighbours & care-giving friends) of these families. An Action Research component was also an integral part of this project to increase community capacity and collaboration.
The adult group work involved increasing knowledge of the impact of parental mental illness, child development needs, parenting skill acquisition and advance planning for childcare. The groups for children and youth focused on helping them build their understanding of parental mental illness, build safety & coping skills and increase their resiliency (as indicated by research on protective factors).