Children's guide to mental illness launched

A new booklet aimed at explaining mental illness to children was launched by the Minister of State for the Department of Health and Children, Mr  Lenihan, at Dublin Castle today.

Published by Schizophrenia Ireland in association with Barnardos, the booklet explains mental illness in a way that children will understand. It is designed to help children who have a family member experiencing mental illness.

Speaking at the launch, the Minister praised all the organisations involved in producing the booklet, entitled Learning about Mental Illness.

"It's important that a publication like this exists and that it's made available to children" he said. "I think that's where the involvment of a voluntary organisation like Barnardos can be of great value in ensuring that this booklet is put at the disposal of children who need it."

The booklet is available free from Schizophrenia Ireland and Barnardos National Children's Resources centres, or downloaded from www.sirl.ie and www.barnardos.ie.