Carers of people diagnosed with personality disorder and complex needs are invited to join a new course where they can learn more about ways to support their loved one and themselves.
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is running the Skills for Carers programme from 9 February to 23 March.
The sessions run every Monday at 6pm to 8pm at MIND in West Essex, 45 Stortford Road, Great Dunmow. They are open to any carers from across Essex who are able to attend the in person sessions.
Different topics will be covered each week, such as what borderline personality disorder is, carers’ rights, emotions and validation, the family environment and problem solving.
Claire O’Connor, Skills for Carers Project Lead, said: “We also have discussions, role plays and group exercises for carers to share their own experiences.
“When we carried out a pilot of the course, we found this helped carers to feel less isolated and was a way for them to gain some useful tips from each other.”
The programme is led by Claire alongside a family therapist and a family and carer ambassador, who has lived experience of being a carer.
The pilot was held last September to November with a group of six carers. By the end of the programme, all of them felt they had more support and skills to manage and improve their relationship with their loved one.
Some of the feedback included:
“Thank you, it has been a great experience and I have learned so much as well as being able to talk about my situation and learn from others.”
“It has given me confidence to deal and relate with my situation. I can’t thank you enough for such a great course.”
To register your interest, fill in the form on this link or email [email protected]