Carers views on the agenda
A campaign between The Royal College of Psychiatrists and The Princess Royal Trust for carers aims to show that if all those involved in the care of people with mental health problems or learning disabilities can work together, a trusting partnership between carers, patients and professionals will be of benefit to all.
St Andrews has always shared this belief and is proud to involve carers (friends and relatives of service users) in the development of its services and communications channels.
Influenced by previous feedback and organised by the social work team, St Andrew’s Essex hosted an interactive carers forum. The event was supported by all disciplines which gave carers the opportunity to discuss particular areas of care in more detail.
Social worker Austin Nyamande coordinated the project and intends to keep carers views live on the caring agenda by highlighting and pursuing themes emerging from feedback.
Key feedback from this particular forum related to the importance of a carers understanding of the services, care, and treatment delivered, and to this extent it is envisaged that this forum will become an annual event.