Carers Week 2024
Carers Week (10-16 June) is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) is a proud member of the Triangle of Care, a nationally led scheme by the Carers Trust. The Triangle of Care allows us to benchmark our services commitment to carers and was developed by carers themselves. You can read more here: GMMH retains Triangle of Care status | News and Events | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT.
Our Mental Health Carers Handbook is a really useful place to start if supporting somebody with their mental health. Find this and other written resources here: Carer booklets, leaflets and more | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS FT (gmmh.nhs.uk).
Find out more about carers work across the Trust under the headings below:
- Supporting Carers in Wigan to care for those with borderline personality disorder
- Bolton Service User and Carer Forum – Supporting the service user and carer voice
Supporting Carers in Wigan to care for those with borderline personality disorder
We spoke to Debra Parrington, Peer Support Worker at our Complex Emotional Relational Needs Pathway (CERN) in Wigan, about her role and the support available to carers of those working with the team.
“I have joined the team as their first Peer Support Worker, having volunteered on the Pathway as an expert by experience (EBE) since its launch; I’ve been involved in advocating for those on the pathway, and their carers, during meetings with the team for many years. My thoughts and ideas have always been met with appreciation for the unique insight those of us with lived experience can provide.
“Now I’m a member of the team and am even more included in the day to day running of the pathway, from referral meetings to providing phone support to those on our waiting lists.
“Supporting carers of those with borderline personality disorder is equally important. Having the opportunity to contribute to the care of people who are struggling like I was, alongside their carers, has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life and with the support of this incredibly empathic team there is no telling what amazing work is still to come.
“We’ve started to promote the return of our Carers Requiring Information and Support for Personality Symptoms (CRISPS) Group, which gives our carers information, support, and some skills to better care for their loved one and themselves.
“We offer this support with the valuable input of another of our experts by experience (and carer), John Chiocchi, who is soon to return from retirement to offer these sessions, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience from his own life. Once up and running, we plan to offer this to multi-agency partners across Wigan to make sure all carers of those with borderline personality disorder get the chance to attend.”
For further information about the CRISPS Group, please contact Debra Parrington on 01942 764411 or download the poster below.
Carers Requiring Information & Support for Personality Symptoms (C.R.I.S.P.S) poster.pdf
Bolton Service User and Carer Forum – Supporting the service user and carer voice
The last 12 months has seen the development of a Service User and Carer Forum for those accessing services across the Bolton area. Every other month, service users and carers are invited to come together to discuss their experience of care with key GMMH staff. The bi-monthly forum is chaired by Fiona Johnston, Operational Manager, who had this to say about the ongoing work in Bolton to involve service users and carers in service improvements:
“We believe that the best way to develop Bolton Mental Health Services is by talking directly to our service users and those who support them. Each forum has a focus topic with staff from that specialism there to answer questions and provide information about their offer. The forums are an opportunity for open discussion and a sharing of ideas. Any suggestions that are agreed in the forums are then fed into our local Service User & Carer action plan.
“The forum is keen to build on their work and to attract more service users and carers to get involved. Our next meeting is on Monday 15 July with a focus on our Living Well Team.”
For further information on getting involved, please contact Fiona Johnston on 01204 483125.
NHS Talking Therapies
We know the toll caring for someone can take. If you're struggling with feelings of anxiety or depression, NHS Talking Therapies can help. The service is effective, confidential, and free. Your GP can refer you or you refer yourself at NHS talking therapies for anxiety and depression - NHS (www.nhs.uk).
Join in the conversation!
X (formally Twitter): @GMMH_NHS
Facebook: @GMMentalHealth
Instagram: @gmmh_nhs
Or search the hashtag #CarersWeek
You can learn more about Carers Week at About Carers Week | Carers Week.
