CARERS – HOW WE CAN HELP

One-to-one tailored Carers Support

Our Carers Support Workers offer up to six sessions of emotional one-to-one carers support via telephone or video. You may need advice and information, or a safe space to talk about how things are for you, or just need emotional support during difficult periods. The information, advice and support given is tailored to meet your needs and aims to help you feel more informed, supported and develop ways of coping, this is not a counselling service.

Bexley Carers Advice Line 02039120030

Available Monday – Thursday (between 9am and 5pm)

The advice line is for Bexley Carers of adults experiencing mental health problems and professionals, to obtain advice and information from our carers service team. We aim to offer accessible and responsive support that is specific to carers. It may not always be possible for us to answer your call immediately, however our mailbox is checked regularly throughout the day and we aim to return calls the same day.

Carers Peer Support

Taking care of a relative of friend with a mental health problem can feel isolating at times. However, it is important to remember that you are not alone. Making connections with others in similar situations is a great way to come to terms with what has happened and alleviate mental and emotional distress.

Peer support is a term used when people get together to use their own life experiences to help each other. Our support groups and activities bring people together with shared experiences of being a carer to provide a safe space where everyone feels accepted, and understood. Our carers team has several carers who volunteer with us to support carers through their own lived experiences of being a carer.

Mailing List

Mind in Bexley and the Pier Road Project families and carers can sign up to our carers mailing list, to receive local and national information, guidance, resources and learning material that is specific and useful to carers who are taking care of a relative or friend with a mental health condition.

Carers Assessment

Every carer has the right to a carer’s assessment under the Care Act 2014. Carers may get support if they care for someone with a mental health problem who is 18 or over. The carers assessment is usually completed by the local authority where the person you care for lives. The local authority must give you support and services if you have eligible needs.

Care Act 2014 – This is the law which sets out the local authorities’ duties in relation to assessing people’s needs and their eligibility for care and support (adult social care), including carers who need support. It applies in England only.

Mind carers service can refer you for a carers assessment.