Southcoast Health System is offering a free, 12-week, Wareham-based course for the families of mentally ill people.

Presented in conjunction with the Massachusetts affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Family-to-Family Education Program is designed to help family members understand and support individuals diagnosed with several different types of mental illness, while preserving the health and wellbeing of themselves.

The first class will be held on Thursday, Jan. 16, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

For more information or to register, call Margaret at 508-693-5872 or Bunny at 508-763-0088.