Support for carers

While caring for someone can be rewarding, there may be times when you find yourself dealing with difficult and stressful situations. You may not have to carry out any physical tasks, such as personal care or lifting, however the support you provide can still be emotionally and psychologically demanding.

There is the added unpredictability of caring for someone living with mental ill-health – for example, never knowing when a crisis situation may arise and how you are supposed to act when it does. It can also be difficult to cope with behaviours that can be challenging or difficult to manage at times, particularly if the person you care for doesn’t recognise that they need help.

You may feel that you are alone and that no-one can help. You may have feelings of confusion, guilt, loss, frustration and anger, and we would like to reassure you that these emotions are completely normal.

EPUT’s dedicated Carer Support Service gives carers an opportunity to talk about their caring role and responsibilities. This is called a carers assessment. We can also provide details of the many local carers’ groups, helplines and mental health organisations that can provide further information and support to carers.

For more information regarding the carers assessment here.

If you are interested in having a carers assessment, please ask for a referral from the team or the member of staff that is working with the person you are caring for.