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About LAMP
Carers Advocacy Service
If you are a partner, relative or close friend of someone in mental distress, and you provide a major part of their care, then we would call you a carer. Caring for someone can be immensely rewarding, but there are times when caring for someone with mental distress can bring a sense of isolation and extreme stress. You may feel that you are not consulted or not informed about the illness or treatment and may be wary of being judged for 'not coping'.
Caring for someone can affect how you feel about yourself and can make family life difficult. You can be so busy caring about others that you end up putting your own needs last. The Carers' Advocate has strict boundaries around their role. They would be there for you. They cannot advocate for the person you care for. The Advocate will listen to you and will discuss what your options are and how you wish to proceed. You might need one-off guidance one the telephone, or find you need an appointment and ongoing support.
The Carers Advocate will offer support at:
- Meetings with professionals from Health or Social Services, which can seem daunting;
- Ward Rounds;
- Care Programme Approach (CPA) Reviews;
- Social Services Assessments;
- Mental Health Act Tribunals and Reviews; and
- Other meetings, eg, with GP's and Psychiatrists.
Carers Advocacy Service Leaflet
LAMP's Carers Advocacy Service leaflet is available in Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Punjabi, Somali and Urdu. A version in Braille is also available upon request.
Carers Advocacy Outreach Services and Support Groups
LAMP runs a number of support groups and outreach services.
Carers Support Programme
LAMP runs a free 6-week programme to help empower and equip carers of people who use mental health services find solutions to the dilemas they may face and give them some time to meet their own needs. The programme aims to help carers feel more confident and is delivered in a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Contacting our Carers Advocate
You can talk to a Carers Advocate either by calling us on 0116 255 6286, or by sending us an email or attend one of our outreach surgeries.
