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Information for carers

Families, friends and carers provide vital support to people with mental health problems and/or an addiction to drugs or alcohol. We know this role can sometimes be difficult and we are here to support you.

To find out more, download our Families and carers handbook (pdf)

We also have two new guides which were co-produced with carers:

Staying in touch

As a carer, you should be given the contact details of the team providing care to your family member or friend, and the name of the person responsible for their care.

If you don't know who to talk to, check our services directory or contact our Patient advice and liaison service (PALS).

Sharing information

We share as much information as we can about the person you care for. We also welcome any information you can share with us.

The way we share information between service users, carers and staff is based on:

  • Service user wishes 
  • Privacy and confidentiality of both carers and service users
  • Best interest of service users

If you and the person you care for have different views on what you need to know we will work through this with you. We have a duty of care to both you and the person you care for.

To find out more, read Confidentiality and sharing information with carers [pdf]

Our Carers Charter

If you provide care or support to a friend or family member, our Carers Charter means: 

  • Your essential role and expertise is recognised, respected and encouraged  
  • You are given the information and advice that you need to help you provide care  
  • Where possible, you are involved in the planning and agreement of the care plan for the person you support  
  • Your needs are recognised and responded to through a Carers Engagement and Support Plan 
  • You receive appropriate help and support when you need it  
  • You are actively involved in the planning, development and evaluation of services  
  • You know what you are entitled to expect from services 

For more information read our Carers Charter leaflet, or see our Carers Charter poster [pdf].

Family and Carers Strategy

We know the most important thing that we can offer carers is good quality care to the people they care for, but it is also essential that we listen and work alongside carers. Our  Family and Carers Strategy 2021 to 2024[pdf]  sets out our priorities for the next three years and is a renewed statement of our previous commitment to families and carers.

Local support

We run an annual family and carers listening event, which gives families and carers the opportunity to meet and share their experiences with staff, gather information and hear about the work being developed across the Trust.  

Recovery college

Training and support for people with mental health difficulties and their carers, family and friends. 

Carer support groups

You should be told if there is a carer support group available for you.

You can also find contact details for support in our coronavirus advice leaflet for carers: 

Coronavirus advice for carers (PDF)

National contacts for carers

Adfam (drugs and alcohol)
National Association for Children of Alcoholics

for people of any age who are affected by their parents’ drinking

Alzheimer’s Society
Carers Trust 
Carers UK 
Child Line 
The Mix 

For people aged under 25, including young carers.

NHS

24 hour support and advice call: 111

Mind

Mental health charity

Rethink Mental Illness
Royal College of Psychiatrists

Professional body for psychiatrists

Samaritans
SANE

Mental health charity

Triangle of Care

Triangle of Care is a partnership between service user, staff member and carer that promotes safety, and supports and sustains wellbeing for all. For this year we have signed up to complete Triangle of Care assessments of inpatient and crisis services to provide evidence of family and carer involvement. Our focus in the second year will be assessing community teams.

Read the Triangle of Care guide on the Carers Trust website.

Visit Carers Trust website

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