Rethink - severe mental illness
This specialised project is designed to support adults caring for a relative or friend (aged 18-65) with a severe mental health problem such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, paranoia or phobia. It was set up by the National Schizophrenia Fellowship (NSF) in 1997. The NSF changed its name in 2002 and is now called Rethink - severe mental illness.
Rethink is now the biggest mental health charity in Europe running 355 active services for the mentally ill and their carers, including 7 carer support projects in London. For further details of the other projects please contact this office.
We can support carers in the London Borough of Croydon by offering:
- Home visits
- Assistance and advocacy at meetings with professionals
- Information on mental health services, severe mental illness, medication and other relevant issues
- Support groups
- Carers' Education and Support Programme
Rethink are also actively engaged in representing mental health carers' views and interests at various planning and steering committee meetings organised by the South London and Maudsley Trust.
"Mental Heath Carers, like other carers, have been recognised for their good work in keeping the person they care for out of hospital, but there is still a lot more that can be done by the Local Authority, Primary and Secondary Care Services to ease their burden and thus realise a better quality of life. Attaining this is one of our prime objectives."
For more information
If you would like more information about Rethink Carers Support Project, please email or phone Dudley Edwards, Co-ordinator on 020 8649 9339 ext 222.
You can also view our information leaflet and wallet-sized card online.
Rethink Advice Line 020 8974 6814 is open Mon, Weds & Fri 10am - 3pm
Tues & Thurs 10am - 1pm.
You might also find it useful to visit the How To...A Guide for Carers in Croydon, a directory of services for carers.
