The public are being invited to a forum to learn how to better support family members with mental illness.

The Bermuda Mental Health Foundation will be hosting the “You Are Not Alone” lecture later this month and topics will include available support and how this can be increased in Bermuda, as well as the importance of “supporting the supporters”.

“Statistics show that the recovery process for those who suffer with a mental illness are more likely to recover faster and less likely to have ongoing episodes if they have family support,” spokeswoman Jodi Lewis said.

“Sometimes the supporter needs support and the foundation recognises the need to encourage the community to enhance our supportive programmes.

“There is a direct correlation with family support and becoming mentally healthy, but often our families are not equipped with the supportive resources they need to assist their ill loved ones.”

The event will feature Chanelle Lawson as the keynote speaker.

Ms Lawson, the owner of Offer A Hand Up Counseling in Greenwood, Indiana, was also the director of a number of child and family services in North Carolina and helped start several support groups.

The event will also feature local support group organiser Winston Rogers, the clinical manager of the rehab team at Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute.

Mr Rogers, who has more than 40 years’ experience in the mental health field, is responsible for the provision of community mental health services.

Chris Gibbons will also be participating. Following his 25-year-old daughter’s suicide, Mr Gibbons formed the support group Losing Someone by Suicide to help others who have been impacted by suicide.

“If you or a loved one suffers from a mental illness and you seek to learn about supportive resources available in Bermuda or are willing to work with the foundation to create additional resources, Yana is an event that the foundation encourages you to attend,” the BHF statement added.

The event, which will be held at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute from 6pm on July 24, is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit www.bmhf.bm or call 441-400-5634.