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 acute mental health services in Brighton and Hove. The group is held every month on a Friday 2.45pm - 4.15pm, Activities Room, Brighton and Hove Group Treatment Service, 1st Floor, Mill View Hospital, Nevill Avenue, Hove, BN3 7HZ.
Support group dates for 2017 are: 13 January, 3 February, 3 March, 14 April, 5 May, 2 June, 14 July, 4 August, 1 September, 13 October, 3 November, 1 December.
In addition we hold six carer’s education and information groups throughout the year, topics will be advertised nearer the time. They will be held at the same time and location as the support group on the following Fridays: 20 January, 17 March, 19 May, 21 July, 15 September, 17 November.
For more information, to join the mailing list or suggest topics for the education and information group, please contact Nick McMaster by email nicholas.mcmaster@sussexpartnership.nhs.uk or telephone: 01273 621984 ext 202440.
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.
