Mental health carers treated to special dinner at Radisson Blu

Tuesday 05 April 2016

Twenty Islanders who care for family or friends with mental health issues were treated to a complimentary three-course dinner at Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel recently.

The hotel, which is partnering with Mind Jersey throughout 2016 to raise money and awareness for the charity, treated the carers to the special dinner to recognise their continued and selfless support.

Mind Jersey arranges an evening out for carers each quarter, to ensure that they are receiving the emotional and practical support they require.

Stephen McCrimmon, who is responsible for Mind Jersey’s carer and family support services, said: "Caring for someone with a mental health problem can be challenging and emotionally draining. It is not unusual for carers to become socially withdrawn and feel isolated; therefore it is vital that carers have relief from stress and access to emotional and practical support.

"Mind Jersey’s carer support services organise social events so carers can get together to talk and identify with one another, but most importantly, so they get a break from worry and concern about their loved one, even if it is only for an evening. It is important that someone is caring for the carer and, with the support of the Radisson on evenings like this, the carer can feel valued."

Radisson Blu general manager Christopher Peach said: "Mind Jersey does an outstanding job of supporting Islanders living with mental health issues and their loved ones. It is a huge commitment to care for people with such issues, and we wanted to play our part in helping Mind Jersey to show their appreciation and recognition of the carers for their hard work."

Mind Jersey is inviting islanders who are caring for loved ones with mental health issues to get in touch with the charity and to ensure they are receiving the support they need.