Advice and support from people who understand

As an informal carer, you can seek information and advice from a number of sources. these include health and social work professionals, who may also be involved in providing services to you and your relative, counsellors, and local support groups.

Health and social work professionals are expected to support carers by...

  • explaining the nature of mental illness, how it affects your relative and the people your relative cojmes into contact with
  • explaining what treatments are available, how they work and any likey side effects
  • telling you what services are available and how to get them, including services provided by voluntary organisations
  • advising you on how best to cope with the effects of mental illness on your relative
  • advising you on your own rights, particulrarly under the Mental Health Act and also welfare benefits

You can also expect...

  • to be assessed as to your needs independently of the needs of the person for whom you are caring, and even if your relative refuses services - this is called a Carers Assessment is is used to identify your needs and draw up an appropriate plan to address these
  • to be involved in the assessment of your relative, unless your relative has directly expressed their wish to exclude you from the assessment process

You should be dealt with courteously and with respect by the professionals and what you have to say should be regarded as valid.

If you wish, you can have someone with you during meetings to help you express your views. You should also be told how any information which you provide will be used by the people who arrange the services.

Availability of services varies from area to area so you may not receive all that you need. It is worth pressing for the services you know will be of benefit to you and other informal carers, if they are not already offered through the Carer support Service workers at the Social Services Department.

Details of organisations which can help provide support for carers are listed on the 'Useful contacts' page.

Local support groups

These types of groups run for carers by organisations like Rethink are a very useful source of help. Amongst Rethink's staff are many people who have had direct experience of mental health problems or are use to working with people with severe mental illness.

The activities of groups will vary; some may be mainly concerned with social support for carers, others may emphasise the need for education / information about the illness and how to cope with its effects. A phone call to the named contact person of your local group will provide you with information on their current focus and activities.

Rethink has over 30 years of experience dealing with the problems relating to Schizophrenia and other forms of mental illness and can give information and advice on most aspects. For many people a local support group of fellow carers is the most effective means of reaching others with whom problems can be shared and information about local resources exchanged. Rethink has an extensive network of carer groups. See our services section for details about groups in your local area.