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Support for service users and carers

Purpose of service

To assess the needs and develop care plans for carers of people with mental health problems in Walsall and to offer ongoing support.

Who is a carer?

A carer is a relative or friend who is looking after someone who needs extra support because of a mental health problem. This support could be practical, personal or emotional and is often provided on a regular basis without payment.

Who is the service for?

Carer's assessments only take place with the prior consent of carers themselves. The carer must be supporting a person aged 18 - 65 years who has a mental health problem. The person cared for would normally have current or past involvement with Mental Health Services. The carer does not have to live with the person they are supporting.

Getting help

There are several ways to get help:-

  • Write, telephone, fax or call in to us using the contact details
  • A referral from the Community Care Programme Approach Care Co-ordinator

Referrals may also be accepted from:-

  • Duty Mental Health Social Worker
  • Crisis Team
  • Dorothy Pattison Ward Staff (pending a Care Co-ordinator being allocated)
  • Psychiatrist
  • Psychologist
  • Day Services and Broadway North Residential Unit
  • Primary Care – G.P's, Community Psychiatric Nurse
  • Other Social Work Teams

What the service can potentially offer

  • Assessment of carers needs
  • Advocacy, as requested in accessing services and liaising with other professionals and agencies.
  • Information on specialist training available for carers. (Carers Education and Support Package)
  • Therapeutic interventions
  • Information on mental disorders, treatment and services available both locally and nationally.
  • Advice and support with the development of stress coping skills and the use of alternative therapies.
  • Information and if appropriate, referral to support groups for both adult carers and young carers.
  • Benefits advice.
  • Information on respite options and 'Direct Payment'.
  • Advice and assistance with managing practical problems and other care responsibilities.

What the service is unable to do

  • Offer crisis intervention
  • Act as care co-ordinator for the service user
  • Assess a carer who does not agree to have their needs assessed
  • Offer long term intensive intervention

Who will make up the service?

  • Senior Occupational Therapist
  • Senior Social Work Practitioner
  • Specialist Support Worker
  • Admin Support

Referrals

Professionals should use the Carers Assessment Referral Form where possible and include information relating to identified risks.

Carers may refer themselves by telephone, letter or fax.