What is Family Recovery?
“Family Recovery is intrinsically about all members of the family being able to live a life of their own choosing regardless of the challenges of mental health issues… respecting and accepting that while we all see things differently there are key skills we can draw on to live a life with hope, empathy, equality and autonomy.’’
Co-produced definition by the Mental Health Engagement & Recovery Office (MHER)
A National Framework for Recovery in Mental Health 2024-2028
Family Recovery
As a person with mental health challenges navigates the ups and downs of their own recovery journey, it’s important to acknowledge that their families and carers will often navigate their own. Family recovery focuses on healing as individuals and together as a group, creating healthy relationships, promoting trust and respect, having good communication and developing emotional resilience within the family.
It also acknowledges that family members can play a vital role in their loved one’s recovery by offering stability, encouragement and empathy, while also learning to set healthy boundaries and care for their own well being. Recovery as a family can be an ongoing journey, requiring education, open dialogue between family members, and sometimes professional guidance, as families work together to overcome stigma and recover together.
Want to find out more about the latest research in family recovery?
Check out “Building Connections – Parenting While Living with Mental Health Challenges” – a major new report.
Recovering Together
We believe in the power of education to support families, carers and supporters on their own unique recovery journey. Our Family Recovery Programme includes a range of workshops and online resources including:
- Family Recovery in Mental Health Workshop
- Understanding Acute Mental Health Services for Families, Carers & Supporters Workshop
- Self Care – Building My Resilience for Families, Carers & Supporters Workshop
- Understanding Acute Mental Health Services for Families, Carers & Supporters Self-Paced Course
In addition to our Family Recovery Programme all of our workshops and webinars are suitable for family members, carers and supporters over the aged of 18 years.
Our Family Recovery Programme
Supporting Families, Carers & Supporters
This workshop explores the meaning of family recovery in mental health and what people can do to support themselves while supporting others.
This workshop explores how we can practice daily self care and why it is important to support our wellbeing as a family member, carer or supporter.
This workshop explores the Acute Mental Health Services from admission to discharge from a family member/carer/supporter perspective.
Knowledge Building
Our online co-produced course, available 24/7, provides families, carers and supporters with everything they need to know about their loved one’s admission to an acute psychiatric unit including:
Clear accurate information on admissions, MDT and treatment
Information on care planning
Discharge planning
Patient rights
Information sharing and confidentiality
Crisis Information
Self care tips
Major New Research!
New National Study Highlights the Difficulties of Parenting with Mental Health Challenges.
The Department of Psychology in Mary Immaculate College (MIC)—in partnership with parents, the HSE, Tusla and Clarecare—has launched new findings from funded research which examined the experiences of parents living with mental health challenges. Led by Martina Kilcommins, Senior Social Work Practitioner, Adult Mental Health Services, HSE Mid West, the project is the first of its kind in Ireland.
Over 200 parents from around Ireland completed the anonymous online survey. Key findings shows considerable difficulties for parents with mental health challenges in terms of increased parenting challenges. These challenges included access to appropriate parenting supports, balancing medication needs and side effects with parenting responsibilities, and speaking with their child about their mental health challenges.
Panellists include:
Martina Kilcommins, Senior Social Work Practitioner, East Clare Mental Health Services
Prof. Niamh Stack, Dept. of Psychology, Mary Immaculate College
Taryn Fitzpatrick, Child & Family Support Network Coordinator, Prevention Partnership & Family Support Tusla
Joanne Perill, Family Support Service Team Leader, Clarecare
Tracy – Parent Advocate & Research Team Member
Mike O’Neill, Manager, Mid West ARIES
Family Voices – Supporting A Loved One
Signposting – Where To Find Help
Downloadable Resources
Family, Carer & Supporter Guide
HSE Mental Health Services
Friends Recovery Booklet
Shine
Family Recovery Guidance Document
National Office for Mental Health Engagement & Recovery
