title: Supporting mental health carers' role in recovery.
abstract: Literature on the care offered by mental health services suggests carer involvement is minimal. This programme aimed to involve carers more by supporting and preparing them to be informed partners, enhancing their contribution to the healing environment and supporting them in tackling stigma. We offered 15 carers access to supportive and educational workshops. Around half, a core group, attended all eight workshops. Outcome measures showed no significant shifts of thinking or change for the carers. However, contributory factors found during evaluation of the project may explain these findings. The workshops helped carers to develop resilience and learn to care for themselves and the service users. Peer support developed throughout the programme.
authors.affiliation: South London and Maudsley Foundation Trust.
authors.forename: Esther
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Craddock
mesh_terms: D004493:Education; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000451:nursing* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D011568:Psychiatric Nursing / Q000193:education* / Q000379:methods*