The annual Bucks Carers Conference is organised for carers by carers with the aim of providing a good quality enjoyable, relaxing but informative day where family carers can meet old friends, make new ones and learn about current topics in mental health.

It is also an opportunity to make links with staff within the local mental health services and find out what opportunities are available to support them in their caring role or become more involved in making the carers voice heard.

The conference this year has a focus on nutrition. Currently there is a lot of discussion about how a healthy diet keeps us mentally and physically well. The main speaker is a very experienced nutritional consultant who will give a very practical presentation ‘Eat Well, Stay Well’. She will explain how to apply good nutritional principles to help keep both the carer and cared for person enjoying a healthy diet and give practical examples of quick and easy healthy meals. After a healthy lunch there will be a practical session from a laughter therapist helping us explore how laughter can help lift our spirits.

Joy Jannetta, Carer Support Manager, Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust said ‘Our annual conferences have always been very well received by all who attend. The day works well as the agenda is put together by carers for carers. Coping with a severe mental illness is not easy but by providing good quality information and helping people realise they are not alone in their situation greatly assists families to cope and make sense of what is happening to them and their loved ones”

This year’s conference will be held at Green Park Conference Centre on 6th March. Please contact Joy Jannetta on 01296 565127 or joy.jannetta@obmh.nhs.uk