Caring for someone with a Mental Health Condition

According to the 2011 Census, 38% of cared-for people in Manchester had mental health problems, much higher than in the North West and nationally (22% and 21% respectively).

If you’re caring for someone with a mental health condition, the Carers Manchester network is here to offer you specialised support:

• Connect Support supports carers and families of anyone with severe mental health problems such as Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis. Their services include peer support groups and training.
• Moodswings supports people in their recovery from mood disorders and the emotional distress they cause. They offer 1-2-1 sessions and workshops.

If your loved one is supported by the Greater Manchester Mental Health team, you can speak to the Carer Champion on their ward or community team. It’s their role to link you up with the information you need and make sure you feel involved in your loved one’s care and treatment. You can also find lots of useful information on the Greater Manchester Mental Health website – including guides to Confidentiality, Lasting Power of Attorney, Community Treatment Orders and Carers Assessments.

Not everyone with a mental health condition is ready to access help. If you’re worried you don’t know how best to support your loved one, the Mind website can help. There’s lots of practical advice – and some real-life stories to let you know you’re not alone.

Caring for someone with a mental health condition factsheet

Caring for someone with an addiction?

• GamCare is the leading UK provider of free information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling.
• Manchester Integrated Drug And Alcohol Service provides alcohol addiction support for family and friends.
• We Are With You offers confidential support with alcohol, drugs or mental health from one of their local services or online.
• Emerging Futures offers homes and therapeutic support for people affected by homelessness, poor health or drug and alcohol issues.
• OK Rehab is a recovery advocate service offering addiction treatment options for all, no matter what the situation they may be facing.

The Southway Housing Trust’s ‘Tidy Homes Tidy Minds’ scheme provides support to people who are affected by hoarding. Their aim is to make a real, long-term difference to people’s lives, including a friendly peer support group.

Caring for someone with an addiction factsheet