title: Involving carers in mental health service development.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  A project designed to enhance carer participation in a mental health service is described.
  
  
  METHODS
  Carers of people with a mental illness were involved in reviewing and developing policies, and developing a carer rights and responsibilities booklet.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Policies relevant to carers of people with a mental illness were reviewed and updated, and new policies developed to cover existing gaps. Carer and staff awareness of policies was increased. A carer rights and responsibilities booklet was developed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Involving carers at this level of service development enhances carer awareness and understanding of the processes involved in a mental health service, and improves staff understanding of carer issues and viewpoints. This process is valuable for mental health services, resulting in positive outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Rural Mental Health, Bendigo Health Care Group, Bendigo, Vic., Australia.
authors.forename: Faye
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Hayman
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fahey
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D001364:Awareness; D017028:Caregivers / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000078329:Workforce