Caring for someone who has a mental health problem can be hard. Families and friends often don’t know what to say or how to help. We understand that caring for someone with mental health issues can be unpredictable, exhausting and that you may even be frightened of your relative. We know that for some people, it may be the first time you have come across someone with mental health issues. At Carers of East Lothian, we can help you to:
- Understand someone’s diagnosis and how it might affect them
- Develop ideas and strategies to respond to upsetting or difficult behaviour
- Look after yourself and share any worries or fears you may have for your relative
- Find out what services are available
- Look after your own needs
We provide:
- Experienced Carer Support Workers and counsellors to talk to in confidence
- Information on Mental Health Services and guidance on accessing other relevant services
- Guidance whether your relative is eligible to claim any benefits and help to fill in the forms
- Support to deal with crisis situations like self-harm, aggression or suicidal thinking
- Support to arrange breaks from caring
- Carer support groups, workshops & social events
- Opportunities to feedback on how local services are run
All of our services are free, confidential and are available to any adult carers.
You can contact us on 0131 665 0135 or centre@coel.org.uk if you would like to receive support.
