Siblings survey

In response to its members’ concerns that siblings of people with severe mental illness need more support, Rethink decided to investigate the possibility of creating a community to provide information and support specifically for siblings.

Dandelions against blue skyTo gain siblings’ views on such a community, Rethink carried out a Siblings Survey between October and December in 2006.

 The aims of the survey were to:

  • Gather information about experiences of being a sibling of someone with a severe mental illness, particularly in relation experiences when accessing support and information
  • Examine how siblings currently gain information and support 
  • Gain views on the support services that could be provided through a Sibling community
  • Assess how and the extent to which siblings would like to become involved in the community.

We’re delighted to announce that 264 responses were received, and as a result we have set up Rethink Siblings using the findings from the survey.