Supporting children and families where a parent has a mental illness in the eastern region of Melbourne. (Formerly VicChamps Website)

About FaPMI: The VicChamps project wound up in September 2006. Following this, the Mental Health Branch developed a Service Development Strategy for Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness (FaPMI). FaPMI has become the way in which this work is now referred to in the government. The strategy is available online at http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealth/families/index.htm

Seven new part- time positions have been created, in 7 regions of Victoria. These positions will work with mental health services and community organizations to improve the way support is provided to families and children where a parent has a mental illness. The aim is to develop “family focussed” services working together to support children of all ages and their families. “Champs” will continue to be the name used when talking about children in primary school.

As well as the links to all the Champs information, information about programs and activities in the eastern region will be listed on this site.  

CURRENT PROGRAMS include:

• Champs programs – For children at Primary School
• PATS  -  For young people aged between 12 and 1 (Run by Shire of Yarra Ranges Youth Services but available across the region. Transport available.
  • Follow link to http://www.yrys.com/
  • 216-218 Maroondah Hwy, Lilydale, VIC.  3140
    T. (03) 9294 6716
    F. (03) 9294 6715
    E.youthservices@yarraranges.vic.gov.au
• “Getting There Together “ – Supported Play Group for Parents with Mental Health Issues and their under school age children
• Getting There  - Peer Support group for parents

PLANNED PROGRAMS for 2008 include:

• Champs – After School Program Ferntree Gully. Term 3
• Getting There – Parent Peer Support Box Hill. Term 4
• Getting There Together Training – For workers working with parents with a mental illness and their children, July
• Pairs Group – For mothers with a mental illness and their babies up to 1 year of age. Term 4

Contact details for Eastern Health FaPMI (formerly VicChamps)

Anne Holland
FaPMI Coordinator and Women's Mental Health Consultant
Eastern Health Adult Mental Health Program

Koonung Clinic
1st Floor, 43 Carrington Rd
Box Hill, 3128
Tel: (03) 9843 5800
Fax:(03) 9843 5808
mobile: 0408 291 580
e-mail: anne.holland@easternhealth.org.au

For queries outside the eastern region please contact

Rose Cuff
FaPMI Statewide Coordinator
The Bouverie Centre
8 Gardiner St
Brunswick
VIC 3031
Tel. (03) 9385 5100
Direct line (03) 9385 5118
Fax. (03) 9381 0336
Mob. 0423 828 321