Classes designed to help families cope with mental illness

Family members affected by mental illness are invited to attend a series of free classes to learn more about these illnesses and help their loved ones.

The Ventura County affiliate of the National Alliance of Mental Illness is offering two different classes in September. The Hand to Hand education program is targeted at parents of children having an emotional, behavioral or mental disorder. The Family to Family education program is for family or friends of people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression and other mental illnesses.

These programs are designed to foster learning, healing, empowerment and advocacy.

Both classes are taught by teams of specially trained family members

who are part of the Alliance. The Hand to Hand classes start on Tues., Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to noon and continue for nine weeks in the Many Mansions Esseff Village classroom, 1423 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.

The 12-week Family to Family classes are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. beginning Thurs. Sept. 7 at Calvary Community Church, 5495 Via Rocas, Westlake Village.

These programs are offered at no cost to the public. To register for classes, call (805) 641-2426 or email vtanami@gmail.com.

For more information, visit www.namiventura.org.