Coronavirus: we know this is a difficult time. To find local support, download  our Coronavirus advice for carers. For national guidance visit the government website.

Families, friends and carers play a vital role in supporting people with mental health problems and/or an addiction to drugs or alcohol. We know this role can sometimes be difficult, demanding and lonely.

As well as providing treatment and care for the people who use our services, we are here to support you.

To find out more, read our  Families and Carers Handbook.

Staying in touch 

As a carer, you should be given the contact details of the team that is providing a service to your family member or friend, and the name of the person responsible for their care.

If you don't know who to talk to, check our service directory or contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). 

Sharing information

We share as much information as we can about the person you care for. We also welcome any information you can share with us.

The way we share information between service users, carers and staff is based on: 

• service user wishes 
• privacy and confidentiality of both carers and service users 
• best interest of service users

If you and the person you care for have different views on what you need to know we will work through this with you. We have a duty of care to both yourself and the person you care for. 

To find out more, read Confidentiality and sharing information with carers.

Our Carers Charter

If you provide care or support to a friend or family member, our Carers Charter means: 

• your essential role and expertise is recognised, respected and encouraged  
• you are given the information and advice that you need to help you provide care  
• where possible, you are involved in the planning and agreement of the care plan for the person you support  
• your needs are recognised and responded to through a Carers Engagement and Support Plan 
• you receive appropriate help and support when you need it  
• you are actively involved in the planning, development and evaluation of services  
• you know what you are entitled to expect from services 

Check out our Family and Carers Strategy for more information. The full Carers Charter starts on page 28.  

Listening to families and carers

We run an annual Family and Carers Listening event, which gives families and carers the opportunity to meet and share their experiences with staff, gather information and hear about the work being developed across the Trust.  

We are planning to hold our next event in November 2020.   

Recovery college

• Call: 020 3228 3643
• Email: hello@slamrecoverycollege.co.uk
• Website: www.slamrecoverycollege.co.uk

Local support and resources