A new service combining the expertise and resources of four local organisations to help ensure carers who look after loved ones with mental illness have access to support has been launched.
The Health Department has awarded The Listening Lounge a three-year contract to work in partnership with three local charities – Dementia Jersey, Focus on Mental Illness, and Jersey Eating Disorders Support – as part of the new Carers’ Support Service.
The department has said the partnership aims to combine the four organisations’ expertise and resources “to ensure that every mental-health carer has access to the right kind of support, at the right time, and in a way that suits them best”.
This includes one-to-one and group support, courses and education, wellbeing and social opportunities, as well as peer support and advocacy.
Carers of those experiencing mental health difficulties can access the new service by contacting The Listening Lounge for a holistic assessment, so that they can then be offered relevant support or signposted to services that will best suit them.
They can also contact another organisation within the partnership directly.
The Carers’ Support Service was launched last month and has since supported nearly 50 mental-health carers.
Health Minister Tom Binet described the partnership as “a lifeline for carers”.
He added: “It is a prime example of how Health and Care Jersey, charities and the private sector can all work together to create a seamless and integrated health service that truly meets the needs of islanders.”
The Listening Lounge
Through the new partnership, government-backed mental-health and wellbeing organisation The Listening Lounge will provide a range of support to those aged 18 or over who care for someone living with mental-health difficulties.
This includes peer support, group support, education and social opportunities.
Referrals can also be made internally to the organisation’s existing counselling service.
Lucy Nicolaou, from The Listening Lounge, cited “the invaluable contribution that carers make to the wellbeing of our community”.
She continued: “Many islanders provide ongoing support to friends or relatives living with a mental health difficulty, which can bring both rewards and challenges.
“We wanted to be part of this partnership because we believe that carers deserve accessible, meaningful support that recognises the importance and complexity of their role.”
Dementia Jersey
With the new funding, local charity Dementia Jersey will provide support group meetings for carers, three times a month, as well as a quarterly meeting with a speaker.
The groups are intended to provide “a dedicated time and a safe, supportive environment” for carers to connect with others in a similar situation, share their experiences and receive expert advice and guidance from trained dementia advisors.
Dementia Jersey chief executive Claudine Snape said: “Caring for someone with dementia can be isolating and overwhelming.”
She continued: “Families are often navigating significant challenges, including memory loss, changes in behaviour, and difficulties with logical thinking and communication.
“We’re delighted to be working within this innovative partnership with other charities, with funding from Health and Care Jersey, to promote our support groups which provide a safe, environment for carers to meet, share their experiences, hear from expert speakers, and receive practical advice from our dementia advisors.”
Focus on Mental Illness
Another Jersey charity, Focus on Mental Illness, will be able to enhance the support it provides to carers under the contract.
This support includes its Caring for the Carers course, an eight-week programme which provide carers with a range of skills from communication to problem solving and from relapse prevention to self-care advice.
The charity also provides a four-hour carer self-advocacy course and a confidential monthly Carers’ Forum which runs on the first Monday of each month from 19:00 to 20:30 at the Salvation Army.
Stephen McCrimmon, co-executive director of Focus on Mental Illness, said: “We are delighted to be part of the new carer support offer for carers of those experiencing mental health difficulties.”
He added: “The opportunity to work in collaboration with other organisations and share our skills to deliver a comprehensive support offer is something we are immensely passionate and excited about.”
Jersey Eating Disorders Support
The funding has also enabled charity Jersey Eating Disorders Support to set up a new course for carers who support those struggling with food or body image.
The sessions run between 18:00 and 20:00 at the Pomme d’Or Hotel on the fourth Monday of every month.
Participants will learn, share and find understanding with others in similar situations.
JEDS chief executive Karen Dingle said she hopes the charity will “be able to reach more people in our community” and “share resources and skills”.
This is also the first time the Health Department has awarded a contract that involves several organisations working together to provide a service.