Site guide
Caring for someone with a mental health problem
DepressionCoping with self harm
Mental Capacity Act
The Mental Health Act
Formal care plans
Video - Do you care?
Addictions
Phobias, anxieties and obsessional disorders
Looking after someone with a mental health problem, as with all types of caring, can be very rewarding as well as both frustrating and infuriating.
With 1 in 4 people seeking help for a mental health problem at some time in their lives, this is an understandably common concern for many carers.
Some of your concerns here could include:
- Whether the Mental Health Carers Action Plan will help you
- Coping with the taboo around mental health
- Coping with the isolation some carers and mental health patients experience
Monthly drop-in information and advice groups for carers of working age people who have a mental health difficulty (not dementia). There are occasional speakers, at various venues throughout West Sussex. Tea and coffee is provided:
- Horsham: The Barn, St Mary's Church Hall, The Causeway - every Monday, 9.45am-12.00 noon (excl. bank holidays)
- Littlehampton: Rivendell, 23 Maltravers Drive - 1st Wednesday of each month, 10.30am-12 noon
- Southwick: The Cornerhouse, Southwick Street - 4th Wednesday of each month, 11am-1pm
- Worthing: Meadowfield, Arundel Road - 2nd Monday of each month, 6.30pm-8.30pm; and Activities Room, Methold House, North Street - 3rd Thursday of each month, 11am-1pm
You can get more information from:
- 5 key facts on mental health carers is available to view at www.carers.org
- The Mental Health Carers Video, covering functional illnesses such as schizophrenia, comes with a comprehensive information and action pack. For copies contact your local West Sussex Carers Support Services (formerly West Sussex Carers Network)
- www.mind.org.uk - Mind is a national charity which campaigns for better mental health policies and services. Website provides a range of information on mental health problems and issues surrounding mental health
- www.mentalhealth.org.uk - Mental Health Foundation provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems
- www.rethink.org/ - Provides practical advice, support and information to people who have a severe mental illness, their families and friends. Works for a better understanding, breaking down the stigma and myths about mental illness.
- DOH Mental Health Policy - consultation documents, implementation guides and good practice examples on mental health policy and legislation from the Department of Health
- www.youngminds.org.uk - YoungMinds is a national charity committed to improving the mental health of all children and young people.
There are people who can help:
Search
If you are having trouble finding the information you need on this website you could try using one of the following search options:Local Search
You can use this facility to search the Carers Online database for organisations in West Sussex that may be able to help you.
Search this Site
You can use this facility to search the website for a particular keyword or phrase.