The following is a set of questions concerning the mental health charity MIND and mental health issues, asked during an interview with MIND Norwich Manager of Cover Support Moira Goodey for Carers’ Corner.
1. What is MIND?
2. What can it do for me or my problem?
3. What sort of mental health problems do you cover?
4. How do I know if my husband can be helped and why should I need your help?
5. What do you do at Carer Support and what areas do you cover?
6. How do I get your service?
7. Do I have to pay anything?
8. I live in a rural area – where do your carer support groups take place and how do I find out about them?
9. I’ve heard about personalisation. How will personalisation affect my carer services?
10. How do I get a mental health carers assessment?
11. How can you help if the person I care for is sectioned?
12. Can you help with funding for such things as training courses, breaks etc?
13. I am concerned about what might happen if I have an accident or an emergency and my “cared for” is left without care – what would you recommend?
14. Caring can be very stressful and I am concerned about my own stress levels – is there any advice that you could give?
1. What is MIND?
We are a registered charity previously known as the Norfolk & Norwich Association for Mental Health.
2. What can it do for me or my problem?
We have lots of services for people in Central Norfolk living with mental illness but I am here today to talk about our services for carers.
3. What sort of mental health problems do you cover?
Most of them i.e. Bi Polar, schizophrenia, personality disorders, depression and anxiety and various psychological disorders and phobias etc.
4. How do I know if my husband can be helped and why should I need your help?
If you are in any doubt just give us a ring. The procedures and services within mental health can be quite confusing and we can help you to find your way through. We can also provide a listening ear and moral support when things are not so good, as well as attend meetings to support you through what may be a difficult time.
5. What do you do at Carer Support and what areas do you cover?
We provide one to one advice and support to carers of those with severe and enduring mental health problems. We visit carers in their own homes or at any suitable alternative venue that the carer chooses. We also have support groups across central Norfolk that are very informal – a carer support worker is always in attendance and can speak privately to carers if preferred.
6. How do I get your service?
Just contact us direct either by telephone, email or post. We offer a self referral system and we also take referrals from other professionals e.g. doctors, mental health teams, social services etc.
MIND – 01603 432457
Email: carersupport@norwichmind.org.uk
50 Sale Road, Norwich. NR7 9TP
7. Do I have to pay anything?
No – all of our carer support services, including the befrienders are free of charge. We very occasionally accept small contributions for special carers outings to the beach, bowling, barbeques etc. but this is because some carers prefer to contribute.
8. I live in a rural area – where do your carer support groups take place and how do I find out about them?
At the moment they are in Norwich, Cromer, Diss, Watton, Sheringham, Thetford, Dereham, & North Walsham. We are always looking for new venues if there is a demand in any area, so do let us know if there is not one near you. The groups are all held once a month. Further details are on our website at www.norwichmind.org.uk. You can also call us and our newsletters and leaflets are distributed to Doctor’s hospitals, libraries etc.
9. I’ve heard about personalisation. How will personalisation affect my carer services?
At the moment we provide a free service as we are “block funded” in the future services for carers are likely to be funded by “Personal Budgets” from statutory services (health & social services) and at that point these budgets may be used by carers to buy some carers services. It is still quite unclear at the moment as to which services may be affected.
10. How do I get a mental health carers assessment?
With a request through your doctor, your care co-ordinator or your local social services office. We can also make the request on your behalf.
11. How can you help if the person I care for is sectioned?
We can give support and advice; we can request and/or attend meetings with hospital professionals if you wish. We can visit the hospital with you if that is what you would like. We can also support you through the tribunal system if you decide that you would like to challenge the sectioning.
12. Can you help with funding for such things as training courses, breaks etc?
We can give details about funding for short breaks, learning grants, care appeal grants etc and act as referees if that is needed.
13. I am concerned about what might happen if I have an accident or an emergency and my “cared for” is left without care – what would you recommend?
I would recommend that you make sure that the care plan for your loved one addresses such issues and states what the back up plan would be. I would also recommend that you join the “In my Place” Carers Emergency Service – we can give you details or this can be obtained through Social Services. Tel 0344 800 8014. A number is then issued to you so you can be assisted quicker in the future.
14. Caring can be very stressful and I am concerned about my own stress levels – is there any advice that you could give?
Join one of our support groups. Consider requesting a “Carer Befriender” from us.
Think about the “Wellbeing Service” – it is totally free and can provide support, counselling etc – 0300 123 1503.
This is self referral and Norwich Mind provides it in conjunction with Norfolk & Waveney Mental Health Trust and others.
Norwich and Central Norfolk MIND – 01603 432457
Wellbeing Service – 0300 113 1503
Email: carersupport@norwichmind.org.uk
Address: 50 Sale Road, Norwich, NR7 9TP
Carers’ Corner on Future Radio broadcast 28th July 2011 – Moira Goodey – Manager of Cover Support at Norwich MIND and Manager of the Carer Befriender program.