Information for families, friends and carers
Welcome to our information for families, friends and carers.
Families, friends and carers provide vital support to people with mental health problems and those with an addiction to drugs or alcohol. We know this role can sometimes be difficult and we are here to support you.
This page provides information for you and links to other organisations who can help.
Getting help in a crisis
Information about what to do and who to contact in a mental health crisis: Getting help in a crisis
Contacting our teams
If your family member, partner or friend is receiving care from one our wards or teams, please ask the staff for the best way to contact them. They can give you the ward or team contact details and a named member of staff to ask for.
If you don't know who to talk to, check our Service Directory or contact our Patient advice and liaison service (PALS)
What you can expect from our services
If you provide care or support to a friend or family member using our services, you can expect us to:
- Check you are getting the information, help and support you need
- Recognise and respect your role and your expertise
- Involve you in developing the care plan for the person you support (if they agree)
- Agree how we will work together and involve you through their care and treatment (we will agree an engagement and support plan together)
- Give you opportunities to give feedback and get involved in improving our services
- Connect you to local carer/family support available
To find out more, download our Family and Carers Handbook
Carers Charter and the Triangle of Care
Find out more about our Carers Charter
The Triangle of Care is a national programme to support partnerships between service users, staff members and families and carers. Our teams are working to meet the standards set out in the Triangle of Care.
Read the Triangle of Care guide on the Carers Trust website
Sharing information about care and treatment
Our teams share as much information as possible about the person you care for. We also welcome any information you can share with us.
We are required by law to respect the privacy and confidentiality of people using our services and you as a family member or carer. We also have a duty of care to both you and the person you care for.
If you would like to discuss the information we provide about your family member or friend, or if you have new information for us, please let the ward or team know. The team can discuss this with you and work together to provide you with as much information as we can.
To find out more: Confidentiality and Sharing Information with Carers
Raising a concern and giving feedback
If you have a query or concern, please speak to the ward or team staff first. You can ask to speak to the ward or service manager or matron if you need further help.
You can also contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service who can help you support out the issue and contact a team for you. Call 0800 731 2864 (choose option 2) or email PALS@slam.nhs.uk
If your concern hasn’t been resolved, or if you prefer, you can contact the complaints team directly on 020 3228 2444 or email complaints@slam.nhs.uk
Understanding mental health conditions
For the latest guidance and definitions of conditions or mental health issues: NHS Conditions A-Z
Making plans for the future or an emergency
These booklets help you plan for an urgent situation and make a plan for the future if you are not able to support someone.
Information for carers - resources
Below are resources for our families, friends and carers. If you need further information, please contact the service or ward.