Mental health carers’ support
If you are caring for someone who has mental health needs, you may face practical, emotional and other challenges. As well as being able to access all our general support, we work in partnership with mental health services and others to provide online and face-to-face meetings and forums specifically focused on mental health.
These are designed to inform and empower you. They provide an opportunity to learn more about mental health services, to connect with others and to find out about the support available to you.
All the meetings are open to anyone who is worried about or caring for someone with mental health needs – the person you care for does not need to have a diagnosis or be in touch with mental health services.
Partnership forum with South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
6pm-7.30pm on the last Tuesday of every month at Ladywell Unit, Lewisham Hospital
Carers Lewisham runs a monthly meeting for people caring for someone with a mental health problem in partnership with South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM). The meeting is an opportunity to get emotional and practical support, and often includes speakers on topics of interest specifically relating to mental health – for example a pharmacist to talk about mental health medication.
You do not need to be registered with Carers Lewisham to attend, but you are welcome to get in touch with us for more information (email info@carerslewisham.org.uk).
Lewisham mental health carers forum
1pm-2.30pm on the last Tuesday of every month on Zoom
This forum is open to anyone caring for someone with a mental illness and is designed to help carers find out about mental health services and also the support available to them as carers. It often includes speakers from mental health services.
The forum is led by Carer Advocate Matthew McKenzie and details of upcoming meetings and how to book are on Matthew’s website, Caring Mind Blog. Click here for details of meetings and to book.
Bromley, Lewisham, Greenwich & Bexley Mental Health Carers’ Forum
10.30am-12.30pm on the last Friday of every month on Zoom
This monthly discussion forum is designed to support families and carers from ethnic Black, Asian and Minority backgrounds who are caring for someone with a mental illness.
The forum is led by Carer Advocate Matthew McKenzie and has a particular focus on race and mental health. It provides a safe space to help people understand and navigate mental health services, connect with others and influence services.
Details of upcoming dates and how to book are on Matthew’s website, Caring Mind Blog. Click here for details of meetings and to book.
Resources
Rethink Carers Hub (external link) Mental health charity Rethink Mental Illness has a Carers’ Hub with specific information to support anyone who looks after someone who is living with mental illness.
NHS Free your mind (external link) This NHS site includes advice on how to support someone with a mental illness as well as further resources.