Carers’ Advocacy is for individuals caring for people in mental distress.

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 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’.

Types of Carers’ Advocacy we offer

• Carers’ Advocacy (for individuals caring for people in mental distress)
• Carers’ Group Advocacy
• Carers’ Support Training (self advocacy helping Carers to care for themselves)
• Group Support (setting up groups)
• Delivering training to other carers and service providers (in partnership with Genesis)

Carers’ Advocacy (for individuals caring for people in mental distress)

You can see a Carers’ Advocate by appointment at one of our outreach services in Hinckley, Coalville, Loughborough, at Savera, or at LAMP’s offices, or in your home.

Carers’ Advocates can work with you regarding:

• Listening to you and finding out what is needed to ease the situation
• Discussing with you what your options are and how you wish to proceed
• Respect your opinions and feelings and not judge or patronise you
• Support and advocate for you at ward rounds
• Attend meetings with GPs, Psychiatrists and Social Workers with you
• Attend Care Programme Approach (CPA) Reviews with you
• Assist you to get a Carer’s Assessment carried out
• Write a complaint on your behalf regarding mental health services
• Make phone calls on your behalf to health care professionals

Carers’ Advocates cannot

• Advocate for the person you care for
• Give advice on finances/benefits
• Provide transport
• Undertake general form filling
• Provide counselling

Carers’ Group Advocacy

Carers’ Advocates run groups which give Carers the opportunity to meet with others in similar situations. In many cases this reduces the feeling of isolation that carers can experience and gives them an opportunity to talk to each other in a confidential and safe environment.

Carers’ Support Training (self advocacy helping Carers to care for themselves)

The Carers’ Support Programme is a six week course that is aimed at empowering and equipping Carers to deal with the dilemmas they face. The Programme covers;

• Week 1 - Where are you now
• Week 2 - Where you want to be
• Week 3 - Taking care of yourself
• Week 4 - Coping strategies
• Week 5 - Finding a voice
• Week 6 - Using your voice; a practical approach

Group Support (setting up groups)

LAMP has a history of enabling Carers in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to initially set up their own groups and become independently run.

LAMP’s Carers’ Advocacy service has worked closely with Genesis to train and support Carers to form a training group of their own. The group is involved in delivering Carers Awareness Training throughout Leicester and Leicestershire – delivering a powerful message from Carers to frontline health professionals on the needs and insights of Carers.

If you would like advice/information on any of the above please contact Julia Ruck on 0116 255 6286 or email advocacy@lampdirect.org.uk