Carers Education and Support Programme (CESP)
What is CESP?
Research shows that carers experience less stress and feel more encouraged
about caring for someone who is unwell, and themselves, when they understand
about mental illness and how to cope with difficult symptoms. Research has
also shown that a reduction in stress can improve outcomes and recovery
for the whole family, including the person cared for.
The Carers' Educational and Support Programme (CESP) aims to provide information
and skills to improve the quality of life for both carers and people with
severe mental illness.
Carers will be encouraged to work together in a relaxed and social atmosphere,
sharing their experience and expertise, both with each other and with local
mental health professionals.
CESP has been designed by Rethink and The Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health
(SCMH) who provided two year development funding for the programme. It is
run with the support and participation of local health care trusts and social
service departments, Rethink carer services and other local voluntary organisations.
What are the programme features?
The programme is:
- free of charge to participating carers
- designed and co-led by carers
- developed in consultation with psychiatrists and psychologists
The programme provides:
- education about schizophrenia and other severe mental illnesses
- skills training with specialist professionals: problem solving, communication, assertiveness and symptom management
- links with community resources
- on-going carer support
The programme consists of:
- an individual introductory sessions
- a 10 session group programme, and a follow-up panel session after 2/3
months
Some of the things carers have said about the course after attending:
"I have gained a much better insight into mental health problems and now have a much better understanding of managing symptoms and how to cope in a crisis."
"We cannot thank you enough for the course, we learned so much and of course will go on learning."
"The most important part was hearing about and sharing other people's experiences."
"Learning about coping strategies and applying them to the family gave me more confidence."
How to find out more:
If you are interested in the Carers' Education and Support Programme and
would like to find out more, ring Dudley Edwards on 020 8649 9339 or
email dudley.edwards@rethink.org.
Page last updated: 26/10/2007
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