This second year of workshops designed by Oxford Health’s dedicated team are for carers of service users who are currently receiving support from Oxfordshire mental health teams.

Di Hilson, Oxford Health’s Carer Involvement Lead, said: “I am so pleased to announce our new programme of educational workshops specifically developed for the carers, family and friends of our service users.

“They aim to help people understand the mental health condition of the person they care for so that they can better support them. There will be opportunities throughout these sessions to put questions to our clinicians and to share your experiences if you feel comfortable to do so.”

“If joining a workshop with others or accessing an online session is something you haven’t done before, and you are feeling apprehensive about it then have a chat to me first. I would like to reassure you that there is no need to feel hesitant or worried.”

The Oxfordshire Workshops will run from 10am-12.30pm on Microsoft Teams and are:

Understanding and supporting someone with depression

Wednesday 12 January 2022

Facilitators: TalkingSpace Plus

Understanding and supporting someone who self-harms or has suicidal thoughts

Thursday 10 March 2022

Facilitators: Karen Lascelles, Nurse Consultant and a Mental Health Carer

Understanding and supporting someone with anxiety

Thursday 28 April 2022

Facilitator: TalkingSpace Plus

See the carers leaflet for further information.

Book now

Due to the high demand for places and limited space we have for these workshops we need to have a fair system to allow new carers first preference. If you have already attended the course previously and wish to apply again, we will add you to the waiting list and contact you nearer the time to confirm your place if one becomes available.

To book please email Diane.Hilson@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk with your name, telephone number and the course(s) you would like to attend. Written email confirmation will be sent to you with joining instructions for the online session(s) you wish to attend.

Remember if you are struggling or would like to speak to other carers in a safe space you can always access the Oxfordshire Carers Open Space.

This group offers a safe and supportive space for you to come and chat with other family members, friends or carers.

Dates for these sessions are on Wednesdays as follows: January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20 and May 18. For more information contact Di Hilson, Carer Involvement Lead at Diane.Hilson@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk or call on 07775 816646.

Please keep an eye on our dedicated carers page which has lots of useful information you can access at any time.