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Resources spotlight: Carers and supporting recovery

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Wednesday, 05 May 2010
A regular website item focusing on key SRN resources.

Carers and supporting recovery looks at carer perspectives on recovery from mental health problems, and their role in supporting it.

The report will be of interest to anyone who is concerned about the mental health of a friend, family member or colleague; and to mental health professionals who would like to explore how forging stronger links with carers might help services become more recovery-focused.

carers report 2009-resizeThe report details the thoughts and experiences of carers who were contacted through four support groups based in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth and Aberdeen. Participants shared their views on the meaning of recovery and how to recognise and support it. They also discussed their experiences of working with services, and the barriers that carers can face when supporting loved ones.

The main themes that emerged include:
  • the importance of letting go and allowing risk taking;
  • the need to focus on the person (traits) and not on illness (symptoms);
  • how maintaining social connections is key;
  • difficulties that some carers experience with their own health;
  • the problem of stigmatisation – of carers, as well as of their loved ones.
Many participants felt that there was scope for maximising recovery opportunities through better liaison between carers and formal services.

At the end of the report, there is a list of useful further resources, including online chat forums, policy documents, and training opportunities.

Carers and supporting recovery was written by Dr. Hester Parr, and was published in August 2009

Formats available: A4 booklet or pdf (48pp).

SRN produces, commissions and collects a wide range of stories, reports, information booklets, films and audio recordings. All are intended to be used freely and distributed widely. Please encourage colleagues, friends and family to explore the resources section of our website, or download our publications list.

Related links

Resources produced from SRN’s 2009 Making Recovery Real conference session on carers
Carers Scotland website
Edinburgh Carers’ Council report on their WRAP for carers project

SRN advertise a range of events and resources developed by external organisations. In doing so we do not necessarily endorse or recommend them and we are in no way responsible for content or quality.
 
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