Friends for Mental Health, a non-profit association that helps people who have family members or friends with a mental illness, is offering workshops for five consecutive Wednesdays from June 1-29, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Participants will learn communication tools and techniques for supporting a family member who is struggling with mental illness. On June 6 and June 27, adults (18 and over) who provide care for someone with a mental illness are invited to an Art Therapy workshop, which runs in English from 10 a.m. to noon and then in French from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Participants will have a chance to express their emotions through art and meet others who are undergoing the same challenges.

From June 27-30, the association is offering a free summer camp for children ages 7 to 12 living with a family member who is mentally ill. The young participants will learn about different mental illnesses, express themselves through art projects and have a chance to meet other children. The centre is located at 7050 Dawson Ave., Dorval. The camp runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For information and to register (mandatory) call (514) 636-6885 or www.asmfmh.org.