Researchers from Queen’s University Belfast have launched new report findings into family mental health at the joint Health and Social Care Board and Queens University Think Family Symposium hosted last month.

Parental mental illness and, or substance use problems, are major public health issues as they may negatively impact children. Conversely, children’s experiences and difficulties may impact parents’ mental health. In 2012 the ‘Think Family NI’ initiative’ was developed by the Health and Social Care Board alongside the Children and Young People’s Strategic Partnership and was implemented within a regional action plan as part of a family based model approach to care, known as ‘Family Focused Practice’ (FFP).

Sean Holland, Chief Social Work Officer, Office of Social Services in the Department of Health spoke from the event and, said:  “I welcome this important study which will give health and social services a baseline of family focused practice on which to improve from. Children and family members have been providing feedback about the benefits of family focused practice in their recovery journey they have shared with parents and family members. It is important that we note and develop the opportunities and initiatives they have identified. The outcome of the study will help develop and embed family focussed practices when parents suffer from mental health issues.”

Download the full Think Family Symposium Press Release by clicking here

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