The Sunshine Coast Koping Network

The Sunshine Coast Koping Network (SC Koping) formed in 2002 to develop a locally coordinated approach to supporting children, young people and families affected by mental health and/or drug and alcohol issues.  The SC-Koping Network acknowledges that mental health and social well-being of children is the responsibility of many sectors.  This is reflected in the broad range of membership and representation which includes government and non-government community agencies working collaboratively together.

SCKoping Program

Aim:

• Support children to identify and strengthen protective factors, reduce individual risk factors & strengthen coping and resilience
• Support for Families (parents/carers) to identify, strengthen or manage family protective and risk factors

This is achieved through a variety of group, peer support, life skills development and leisure activities for children age 6 to 18years of age.

• Support for Community Organisations to strengthen organisational capacity to respond to the needs of children in families impacted by mental health and/or drug and alcohol issues.

Why a group program?

Many young people whose families are affected by a mental health and/or drug and alcohol issues have told us that it is good to be able to talk to other young people who are in similar situations, to learn from others about how they and their families use coping strategies when someone is unwell, or when other things in life gets them down.

For some young people, they have never had the chance to talk to anyone about their parent/siblings mental health issue.

The SCKOPING PROGRAMS allow children and young people to share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment and help them develop coping skills and support networks for the future

Objectives:

• To provide opportunities for children and young people to share their experiences in a safe and supportive environment
• To provide opportunities for children and young people to enjoy a sense of peer support & friendship
• To provide opportunities for children and young people to experience personal growth and learning

Children are supported through :

Gaining Ground Group (13 -17 yo)

Middle Earth Group (9 -13yo)

These groups run 1 day a week over three weeks from 9am to 4pm

Muppet Club (6 to 8 yo)

This runs 1 day a week for three weeks from 9am to 2.30pm

Peer Support Activities (9yo above)

Getaway Camp (yearly for those who have participated in the middle earth and gaining ground groups)

These activities are facilitated within a strength based, peer support framework.

How to get into a group?

Phone the Intake Officer at Sunshine Coast Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMHS) on

5409 9111.

You will be asked for your contact information, name, date of birth of child, reason for attendance at group. You will then receive an initial appointment for you and your child to meet and talk about what is involved in the program.

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact the Sc-Koping Coordinator :

Sharon Thomasson on Ph : 5409 9111 or Fax :  5409 9112

 

We are a Partners in Recovery (PIR) Program.