Carer Perspectives Carers’ Journeys

Recognise some of you may have lived experience of mental distress Important to involve carers who have experience of compulsion Principles of co-training with carers Recognise there can sometimes be differences between users and carers How to use DVD- one way is to ask carers How to keep discussions on track

Principles that underpin the Act Consider these from a family perspective Compulsion has a huge impact on us all It can create more tension, division and suspicion and do lasting damage Advance Decisions/Advance Statements Many carers may feel guilt, blame, anger and frustration Where possible we can all work together to minimise this

Purpose principle Decisions under the Act should be taken with a view to minimising the harm done by mental disorder, by maximising the safety and wellbeing (mental and physical) of patients and protecting the public from harm.

Least restriction principle Any intervention without the patient’s consent must attempt to minimise the restrictions on the patient’s liberty, having regard to the purpose for which they are imposed.

Respect principle Decision makers must recognise and respect the diverse needs, values and circumstances of each patient, including their race, religion, culture, gender, age and sexual orientation. They should consider the patient’s wishes and feelings (whether expressed at the time or in advance), so far as reasonably ascertainable, and respect those wishes wherever that is practicable and consistent with the purpose of the decision. There must be no unlawful discrimination.

Participation principle Patients should be involved, as far as is practicable in the circumstances, in planning and developing their own care to help ensure it is delivered in a way that is as appropriate and effective for them as possible. The involvement of carers, family members and other people who have an interest in the patient’s welfare should be encouraged (unless there are particular reasons to the contrary) and their views taken seriously.

Effectiveness, Efficiency & Equity Principle Decision-makers must seek to use the resources available to them and to patients in the most effective, efficient and equitable way. Decision-makers must take account of other people’s perspectives on what is required

“Carers' Journeys” DVD Hard hitting or telling it like It Is? Issues from one community can be translated across many How often do we hear the voices of the voiceless? Most families want the best for their loved ones

Appropriate services ACCI (The African Caribbean Community Initiative) offers a positive alternative to statutory mental health services. Given the issues raised by the carers in the DVD, how can those planning and delivering services create ones that are more acceptable, appropriate and accessible to the needs of BME communities and others? What role can carers and the wider community play in shaping services to meet the needs of those they care for?

Improving communication There is evidence, born out by carers’ experiences related on this DVD, that communication problems can have a negative impact on those experiencing mental illness. This can lead to frustration, misdiagnosis and delay in receiving appropriate support. This makes good communication between carers and others close to the individuals concerned all the more important. How can staff and carers communicate better to support each other in their respective caring roles?

Recognition of the role of carers The care of all patients is more likely to succeed if carers and significant others are involved in care planning. As the DVD shows, significant others could include members of faith communities, voluntary organisations and the extended family. How can those delivering services ensure carers and others are actively involved at all times in supporting patients in their journey of recovery?