ST. GEORGE — The Southwest Utah chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness is offering their next round of free mental illness education classes starting Wednesday in their new location.
Two different types of classes will be offered this spring – “Family to Family” and “Peer to Peer” – and the classes and support groups will be held in the Utah Support Advocates for Recovery Awareness office, 113 E. 200 North, in St. George.
The “Family to Family” course is designed for family members and close friends of those who suffer from severe and persistent mental illness. The 12-session program meets once a week for two hours each Wednesday evening.
The course covers diagnoses and symptoms of the major mental illnesses, how the brain is affected, medications and coping and communication skills. The class is designed to assist families in helping their loved ones on their recovery journey. The course is conducted by trained individuals and is offered free of charge with all materials provided.
The first session is scheduled for March 4 from 6-8 p.m.
The “Peer to Peer” class meets at the same time and place as the Family to Family class, but in a different room. It starts March 11 at 6 p.m.; however, it only runs for eight weeks.
The Peer to Peer program is for adults with mental illness who are looking to better understand their condition and journey toward recovery. Taught by a trained team of people who’ve “been there,” the program includes presentations, discussions and interactive exercises. Everything is confidential, and NAMI never recommends a specific medical therapy or treatment approach.
In addition to the classes, an ongoing “Family to Family” support group meets on the first Tuesday of each month, starting March 3, from 6-8 p.m. at the St. George Library, 84 W. 100 South.
To register for the classes, contact NAMI-Southwest Utah by calling Pam Connors at 541-331-0711 or sending an email to [email protected]. For more information, visit the organization’s website.