Bringing in better support for carers of mental health service users
If I can help improve anyone's experience of caring by helping them to feel supported, I'll be happy.
Deborah, a carer from North London joined Healthwatch Islington last year to help the North London NHS Foundation Trust produce their carers strategy.
The newly formed trust serves Barnet, Haringey, Enfield, Camden, and Islington. Each local authority has produced a carers strategy or action plan, and the Trust is building upon these strategies to produce a strategy of its own that specifically addresses some of the issues felt by the carers of mental health service users.
Part of her role has seen Deborah reaching out to carers hubs, carers, and local community organisations working with residents under-represented in the Trust’s engagement, to ensure that they can contribute to the discussions and inform the strategy.
Reflecting on her work so far, Deborah said
"Caring is tough. There have been days where I have felt really lucky to get the extra time to spend with my dad, and for my children to get those precious memories with their grandad. But there have also been days when I have felt so very low, and lost, and alone, and didn't know where to turn. If I can help improve anyone's experience of caring by helping them to feel supported, I'll be happy."
The Trust's strategy is currently in development, and expected in spring 2025.
Local authority carers strategies
Links to each borough's most recently published carers strategy :
Get involved as a carer representative
If you have experience as a carer of someone who uses or has used services provided by North London NHS Foundation Trust contact nlft.engagement.experience@nhs.net to find out about opportunities to help review and shape the design and delivery of services.
