PEER SUPPORT
“Seek support in your own time” (Nearest Relative)
The right support looks different for everyone. The suggestions included here are for you to consider if, or when, it feels right. We hope that this information will help you think through what might be beneficial for you.
Other Nearest Relatives are walking a similar path. They may have been where you are and may offer support, not answers. Peer support means connecting with others who are in the same situation and drawing on shared experiences to find a path through what is happening to you.
Mind highlights that this is not just about getting or giving advice. Peers can also provide a safe space to be honest about what you are feeling and to share your emotions.
Peer support can be empowering because it can offer relief or recognition, without obligation. It can help you to find a community. Hearing from other Nearest Relatives can sometimes bring comfort or fresh perspective, but only when it feels right for you.
There may be a support group for Nearest Relatives that you can find in your local area. A carers support group could also be a good place to start as there will be other people who are offering support to someone with a serious health problem.
You might meet other Nearest Relatives through the hospital or other services and be able to connect informally with them.
There are online communities where you can chat with other people, for example Carers UK has a forum called Carers Connect. The Carers Trust has a Triangle of Care Community Group that is open to unpaid mental health carers in England and Wales. The Group has regular online meetings and you can find out more about how to join here.
Whatever you find, it is important that you feel welcome, that there is trust and that it is a shared experience. If it doesn’t feel right, then it is ok to say so or to look for something different.
SOURCES OF ADVICE AND SUPPORT
“You deserve support, too.” (Nearest Relative)
Finding advice support can be helpful when this is right for you.
Talking about your role may feel risky or unsafe depending on your background, culture, or experience. You are not required to share anything you don’t want to. You might prefer help that aligns with your values, community, or faith. This site is here to support you in your own way, in your own time.
As the Nearest Relative, it is important for you to communicate with the staff that are involved in the care of your relative.
There are tools that might help:
- The Nearest Relative role Leaflet – you can give this to staff to explain your role
- How to engage with staff Tool – you can use this to help you navigate the mental health system.
If things are difficult, there are tools that might help you:
- How staff should engage with Nearest Relatives Tool – you can use this to help you ask for what you need
- Complaints Tool – to help you raise concerns.
There may be an organisation in your area that offers support and advice about mental health services. You can ask someone who works in the mental health system or the council about what is available locally or you can search for this on the internet. For example, Bristol City Council has a list of mental health services and other local councils in your area should have similar information on their website.
Mind’s website has a wide range of information for people who are helping someone with a mental health problem.
Support for carers is wider than just the support you might be need as a Nearest Relative. The Carers Trust provides a search function for support in your area. It also provides information about caring for someone with a mental health problem and general information for carers, including about money and benefits.
If and when you are able to, it can help greatly to identify yourself to professionals as a ‘carer’ even if you don’t think of yourself this way, as this is often the term that services use to understand your role and to give you access to help. You can register as a carer with your GP and talk to the GP surgery about social prescribing to help you stay well. You can also ask your local council (in England or Wales) for a carer’s assessment. This looks at any help that you need to be able to carry out your role.
If you are employed, then talking to your employer can help them to support you if you need it, for example to take time off for appointments.
There is more information in the Signposting section of the website.
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