Tuesday 26 October 2021
Mental health charity Middleborough and Stockton Mind are piloting a scheme which supports carers when the people they care for leave mental health wards in Middlesbrough.
The scheme is funded by The Tees Valley Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and the Trust.
An important time for support
Elizabeth Moody, director of nursing and governance at TEWV, said: “This is a really important time to offer support to carers as their loved one may be vulnerable and experiencing additional risks to their mental health.
“Admissions into our hospitals can happen if someone with a mental health condition, such as depression, schizophrenia, and dementia, experiences severe symptoms, which mean they can no longer be supported at home. When the person goes back home it can be a really big change for both patient and carer.”
Support for carers
Carers are often unpaid relatives, friends or partners. They carry out a range of tasks to support the cared for person, such as, supporting them to attend therapy, ensuring they follow their care plan and helping them take the medication they need.
Since the roll out of the pilot in March, support has been provided to 19 carers of people who have been on mental health inpatient wards at Roseberry Park Hospital, Banksfield Court and Acklam Road Hospital. This has included face-to-face and phone sessions to provide emotional support for carers as well as sign posting to counselling services when needed. The service also offers help and support with housing, finance or any other issues the carer may be facing.
Focusing on what carers want and need
Renée Brady, Senior Carers Practitioner at Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind said: “This service is for the carer and looks at what support they need and want. It’s flexible, holistic, and person-centred which means carers are better equipped to support their loved one.
“Carers tend to get forgotten about and all of the focus and support tends to be patient focused. One carer I am currently supporting said I’m the first person who has actually asked him how he is and how he is coping.
“We want people to feel less isolated and less alone.”
Middleborough and Stockton Mind’s service for carers attends Roseberry Park Hospital three times a week during visiting times. In addition, the service visits carers in their homes and other community settings.
Get support
If you’re a carer looking for support, call Middlesbrough and Stockton Mind on 01642 257020 or email carers@middlesbroughandstocktonmind.org.uk
We also have information and support for carers on our website.
