A practical guide for working with
carers of people with a mental illness
In any given year, almost two and a half million people care for a person with mental illness in Australia. A Practical Guide is a good way to help carers manage their day to day situations.
“The main aim of the Practical Guide is to provide practical assistance to providers, to work with carers in a meaningful, mutually beneficial way. A partnership approach, if you like, which will enhance outcomes for consumers,” says Independent Chair of the Project, Mr Patrick Hardwick (President of HelpingMinds).
HelpingMinds® is working with mental health services in the metropolitan area of Perth to enhance staff engagement with family and friends who are caring for a person with a mental health issue. The goal is to work with management and staff to identify priorities for improving engagement and to celebrate best practice that can be replicated across other services.
A pilot with four inpatient mental health services was completed in 2017 with findings demonstrating self-reported improvements in engaging with Carers under all six standards. An independent patient experience survey at one site demonstrated an 8% increase in satisfaction under the visitors and family category.
A second pilot with four community (outpatient) mental health services is currently being rolled out. HelpingMinds® Project Officers collaborate with and support services to implement the Practical Guide for Working with Carers of People with Mental Illness released in 2016. The Guide includes resources and standards that are consistent with the Mental Health Act 2014 and the Carers Recognition Act 2004.
Click here to access the Practical Guide PDF
You will be redirected to the Lived Experience Australia website, please click on the link Carer Partnership Standards and register for that training program.
Click here to access the full report showing the findings across all of the sites
“Better recognition that carers are key partners in the planning and provision of mental health care makes sound social and economic sense,” states Debbie Childs, CEO of HelpingMinds.
E-learning modules:
Modules are available to help services implement the Guide. Each of the six modules take approximately 10 minutes and can be completed separately.
Health professionals involved in the project can access the e-learning modules.
Click here to access the Learning Modules
If you and your mental health service would like more information or would like to express interest in participating in the project please contact HelpingMinds® on 9427 7100 or info@helpingminds.org.au
Support & Education for
Young People
If you or someone you know is under the age of 18 and have a friend or family member that is affected by a mental health condition (a formal diagnosis isn’t required), we have many free and confidential services that can help.
Support & Education for everyone
Carers
We offer free and confidential support to people who have a family member or a friend living with mental health challenges, including counselling, support groups and advocacy services.
Support & Education for
Adults & Family
HelpingMinds® offers a range of free, professional and confidential counselling and support programs to adults who have a friend or family member that is affected by mental illness or are at risk of developing a mental illness themselves.