Mental Health Services—Carers
Are you a carer?
A carer is anyone who spends time and energy looking after a friend, relative, neighbour or spouse who is ill or disabled. This may be a full-time activity or as little as keeping a regular eye on someone. You may not think of yourself as a carer because you undertake your tasks out of love or friendship. Many carers do not recognise themselves as such and therefore do not always seek information or know where to look for further help.
Your Own Needs as a Carer
It is essential for a carer to be aware of the need to look after their own health and mental well being. Carers are vulnerable to poor health and depression. Regular breaks from caring are advisable. Isolation can be a major problem. It is important for carers to maintain and cultivate connections outside the home.
As part of the Care Programme Approach the mental health services are in a position to meet the needs of carers more effectively than in the past. The CPA care co-ordinator in the community, or primary nurse on a ward, has the role of identifying carers in each case, and then talking to them to see what they need. You may need information, time booked with a psychiatrist, support through carer’s self-help groups, or professional advice, amongst other things. Under the Carers and Disabled Children Act 2000 you are entitled to an assessment of you own needs as a carer. (This right exists whether or not the person you care for is on the CPA).
A carer’s assessment may lead to a range of services being provided to you, to help you carry on in your caring role. This might include respite for you as a carer through the cared for person going to stay in a residential care home for a week, or financial assistance with transport costs. This funding comes via the carer’s grant which is paid by the government to local authorities.
Emergency Help
For assistance outside office hours contact the Emergency Duty Team.
Telephone 01733 56137
National Contacts
ADFAM
25 Corsham Street
London N16 DR
Tel: 0207 553 7640
Email: admin@adfam.org.uk
Website: www.adfam.org.uk
Provides information of local services in your area and leaflets for family and friends of drug users. Open Monday – Friday 9.00am-5.00pm.
Al-Anon Family Groups UK and Eire
61 Great Dover Street
London
SE1 4YF
Tel: 020 7403 0888
Email: enquiries@al-anonuk.org.uk
Website: www.al-anonuk.org.uk
Al-Anon offers understanding and support for families and friends of problem drinkers. For details of meetings in the Huntingdon area contact the above phone number between 10.00-10.00pm weekdays. Outside these hours please ring the above number for other times.
Carers’ UK
32-36 Loman Street
Southwark
London SE1 0EE
Tel: 0207 922 8000(Office)
Advice Line: 0808 8087777
Email: info@carersuk.org
Website:www.carersuk.org
This service can provide advice by letter or telephone. It campaigns for increased support and benefits and produces a carer’s emergency card. The Carers line is open 10.00am-12 noon and 2.00pm-4.00pm, Monday to Friday. They have a range of written materials available for young and older carers.
Depression UK
Self Help Nottingham
Ormiston House
32-36 Pelham Street
Nottingham
NG1 2EG
Email: info@depressionuk.org
Website: www.depressionuk.org
National self-help/mutual aid organisation for those with depression and for family and friends. Contacts via pen-friend scheme, bi-monthly newsletter, leaflets, booklist, some local support groups.
First Steps To Freedom
Helpline 0845 1209 2916
Website: www.first-steps.org
Offers advice, support and counselling to people who suffer from phobias, general anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks, eating disorders and people who wish to come off tranquillisers. Can also support their carers. Produces leaflets, booklets, videos & relaxation tapes. Available daily 10am-10pm.
Gamblers Anonymous
PO Box 5382
London W1A 6SA
Tel: 0207384 3040 (24 hrs advice and support line)
Tel: 0762 694 7800 (free literature)
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk
Gam-Anon for family and friends of compulsive gamblers is at the same telephone number.
MDF - The BiPolar Organisation
Castleworks
21 St Georges Road
London
SE1 6ES
Tel: 08456 340 540
Email: mdf@mdf.org.uk
Website: www.mdf.org.uk
The Manic Depression Fellowship is the largest self help organisation in the UK for people who experience episodes of manic depression, and their families. They provide advice, support, specialist literature, and information on local self-help groups. Self-help groups offer members the opportunity to meet other people who have been through similar experiences, and they can help lessen the sense of isolation and provide a safe place. For effective treatment of manic depression, the right combination of medication, support and self-management is essential. By participation in self-help and self-management, members can regain autonomy, well-being and self-esteem.
Miscarriage Association
c/o Clayton Hospital
Northgate
Wakefield
W. Yorks
WF1 3JS
Tel: 01924 200799
Email: info@miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Website: www.miscarriageassociation.org.uk
They provide support for women and their families around the issue of miscarriage. For your local support group please ring the above number.
National Women's Mental Health Infoline
Threshold
14 St George’s Place
Brighton
BN1 4GB
Tel: 01273 626444 (office)
Infoline: 0808 808 6000
Email: infoline@threshold.women.org.uk
Website: www.bht.org.u
Contact opening hours are:
- Monday, Wednesday 10am-12pm and 2pm-4.30pm
- Tuesday, Thursday 2pm-4.30pm
- 24 hours answerphone at other times
National infoline is run by women for women. It provides information for women with mental health difficulties and their carers. Women who are emotionally distressed, people working in the mental health field or anyone with an enquiry about women’s mental health. Includes information on self help and support groups, counselling and therapy organisations, statutory services (e.g. day centres), legal centres, medication and complementary therapies. All calls charged at local rate. Service covers UK.
Rethink (National Schizophrenia Fellowship)
5th Floor
Royal London House
22-25 Finsbury Square
London EC2A 1DX
Tel: 0845 456 0455
Email: info@rethink.org
Website: www.rethink.org
Anyone affected by mental illness can call their advice line (020 8974 6814) Mondays to Fridays, 10.00am-3.00pm for free independent advice and practical help.
Young Minds
Young Minds Parents Information Service
48-50 St. John Street
London EC1M 4DG
Tel: 0207 336 8445 (general office)
Email: enquiries@youngminds.org.uk
Email: magazine@youngminds.org.uk
Website: www.youngminds.org.uk
This is a national, confidential service for parents and carers who are concerned about the mental health or emotional well-being of a child or young person. Young Minds Parents Information Service provides information and details of local and national advice and helping services, and printed information on a range of mental health issues. Tel 0800 018 2138 (calls charged at local rate).
