As a carer it’s important not to become isolated. Talking with others, whether it is with family members, friends or professionals, can help people to feel more confident as carers and prevent feelings of isolation and helplessness.
In addition to the help and support we provide to carers, there are also some local and national organisations that can provide help, advice and information:
Local organisations
Brighton and Hove
Mill View Carers Support Group
A support group for carers of people who use inpatient and community mental health services in Brighton and Hove. Facilitated by a member of the Mill View Occupational Therapy team, this group provides emotional support and practical advice by and for carers. The group is held on the second Friday of every month 2.30pm - 4pm. Currently due to Covid restrictions this group is held virtually, through the easy to use Go To Meetings platform.
“I never thought I would find myself coming to this kind of group, but eventually decided to give it a go. I found somewhere friendly and safe to share what often turns out to be quite similar experiences (good and bad!) and - an unexpected plus - to actually feel cared about.” Member of Mill View Carers Support Group
Support group dates for 2021 are: 8 January, 12 February, 12 March, 9 April, 14 May, 11 June, 9 July, 13 August, 10 September, 8 October, 12 November, 10 December.
For more information or to join the mailing list please contact Nick McMaster by email nicholas.mcmaster@sussexpartnership.nhs.uk or call 01273 621984 x202440 (due to Covid restrictions this phone is only accessed intermittently)
The Carers Centre for Brighton and Hove
Tel: 01273 746222
Email: info@thecarerscentre.org
Web: www.thecarerscentre.org
Address: 18 Bedford Place, Brighton, BN1 2PT
Changes Ahead – Mental Health Carers Action and Support Group
Changes Ahead is a voluntary organisation that supports carers of those with mental health issues. This service offers both individual and/or group support including, practical advice, social events and an advocacy service.
Opening hours:
Monday 9am - 5pm (alternate 12pm - 8pm)
Tuesday 12pm - 8pm (alternate 9am - 5pm)
Tel: 07935 302838
Email: changesaheadoakleaf@gmail.com
Additional services provided by Brighton and Hove City Council can be found here.
National organisations
Carers UK
Tel: 0207 922 8000
Web: www.carersuk.org
The Princess Royal Trust for Carers
Tel: 0844 800 4361
Web: www.carers.org
MIND
Tel: 0845 766 0163
Web: www.mindcharity.co.uk
RETHINK
Tel: 0845 456 0455
Web: www.rethink.org
The Meriden Family Programme
The Meriden Family Programme and Rethink Mental Illness have created a new resource called Caring for Yourself, which has been developed to help carers, family and friends who support someone with a mental health problem.
Caring for Yourself is a self-help workbook in eight parts that can be used in an entirely flexible way. You can download the workbooks from their website here.
