The mission of Supporting Families in Mental Illness (SFNZ) is to provide the best possible education, advocacy and support for family and whānau of people experiencing a mental illness. We have community based independent SFNZ societies across New Zealand and a National Council of elected volunteers. We believe that families and whānau can play a key role in the recovery process. We use the terms 'family' and 'whānau' to describe anyone who cares for or supports a person experiencing a mental illness. Skilled, professional Family and Whānau support workers form the backbone of our service providing a range of practical interventions at times of crisis right through to recovery . They help ensure the voice of family and whānau is heard when clinical decisions are made.