Workshops designed with family, friends and carers in mind

A new online programme of workshops designed with family, friends and carers in mind has launched following the first successful series held last year.

Workshops designed with family, friends and carers in mind

The workshops feature a range of interactive sessions to help people better understand their loved one’s mental health condition and aid their recovery.

Families, friends and carers who attended past workshops said they felt more confident and better able to support their loved one after attending a workshop.

One attendee took the time to feedback: “It helped me learn about depression in a wider context.”

Another workshop attendee said: “It has been helpful to know that I am not alone with this problem and that there are different ways to understand and offer support; especially what to say or not to say.”

Speaking about this year’s programme of workshops, Di Hilson, Oxford Health’s carers lead who created the workshops alongside Oxfordshire mental health teams, said: “The carers workshops are developed to help give a better understanding of the mental health condition a loved one has and information and insight about how to support them as that is what really helps the recovery of their loved one.

“It is also an opportunity to meet others in similar situations, ask any questions they have and share their experiences, if they feel comfortable to do so.”

Current workshops
Please note: All Oxfordshire workshops will be run from 10 am – 12.30 pm online using Microsoft Teams.

Understanding and supporting someone who self-harms or has suicidal thoughts
Date: Thursday, March 10, 2022
Facilitators: Karen Lascelles, Nurse Consultant and a Mental Health Carer

Understanding and supporting someone with dementia
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2022
Facilitators: Bethany Woodward and Clare Hamblin, Mental Health Nurses

Understanding and supporting someone with anxiety
Date: Thursday, April 28, 2022
Facilitator: TalkingSpace Plus

Understanding and supporting someone with bipolar
Date: Thursday, May 26, 2022
Facilitators: Rebecca McKnight, Consultant Psychiatrist

See the carers leaflet for further information.

Book now

The workshops are popular and due to high demand, we have a fair system giving new carers first preference.

If you have already attended the course 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.

Please 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: 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.

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Published: 23 February 2022