Mental health articles

What services should carers expect? Carers often need help to maintain their own physical and emotional health. There are nearly 5.7 million carers in the UK. If you look after a relative or friend who needs support because of age, physical or intellectual disabilities or illness, including mental illness, you have a right to have your own health needs met. This chapter outlines some of the key policies and organizations that will help you in doing this. When you contact national organizations like the ones listed at the end of this chapter they should be able to provide details of the local support groups within the areawhere you live. You can also gain access to the organizations and use the internet by visiting your local library. Most librariesprovide support for using the internet and it is free of charge but you may have to book in advance.