First ever specialist support group for brothers and sisters of people with mental illness launches in Norwich
A brand new support group, for the siblings of people with mental illness, will launch in Norwich next week (Thursday 19 January).
The group is part of a national project run by the charity Rethink Mental Illness and is the first group of its kind to be set up outside of London.
Rethink Mental Illness’ Siblings Network is a specialist project designed to provide help and support for brothers and sisters of all ages, of people who have mental health problems such as severe depression, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
The group is being set up and run by local volunteers who are siblings themselves. Lorraine McLeod, 42, from south Norwich, has a sister with schizophrenia and is leading the new group.
She says: “I’ve been through so much with my sister over the years, there have been some really tough times, but I’ve learned so much which I hope I can share with the others. We really want to create a safe space in which people can support each other and share stories. I wish something like this had existed in Norwich years ago, I would have found it really useful. I’m just so glad I can use my experiences to help other people going through similar things to me.”
Olivia De Santos, from Rethink Mental Illness’ Siblings Network, says: “Having a brother or sister with a mental illness can stir up complex emotions such as sadness, fear that they will become ill too, guilt that they’re not doing enough and even anger.
“Siblings can sometimes feel confused and isolated and have no idea where to turn for advice and support, which is why groups like this are so important.
“We’re really thrilled about the level of enthusiasm we’ve seen from people in Norwich for setting this group up – making it the first outside of London. It will act as a model for many more we hope to create across the country.”
The network is funded by the Big Lottery Fund and includes a website (www.rethink.org/siblings) providing detailed information about how siblings can support their brother or sister, while also taking care of their own mental health. It features blogs, personal stories, an online forum, videos and help for siblings to set up their own local peer-to-peer support groups.
The group will held be monthly and is open to anyone over 18 who has a sibling with mental illness. The first meeting will be held on Thursday 19 January at 7pm in Norwich, for more information please email norwichsiblings@yahoo.co.uk
ENDS
For more information, or to set up an interview, please contact Rachel Whitehead, Senior Media Relations Officer for Rethink Mental Illness on 2027 840 3138
Notes to editors
Rethink Mental Illness is a charity that believes a better life is possible for millions of people affected by mental illness.
For 40 years we have brought people together to support each other. We run services and support groups that change people’s lives and challenge attitudes about mental illness.
We directly support almost 60,000 people every year across England to get through crises, to live independently and to realise they are not alone.
We give information and advice to 500,000 more and we change policy for millions.
For more information go to www.rethink.org
The Big Lottery Fund distributes half of the National Lottery good cause funding across the UK. The Fund aims to enable others to make real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need.
