Caring for someone with mental health problems
If you’re caring for someone with mental health and/or substance abuse issues, it can be very hard.
You’re not alone. There’s an estimated 1.5 million people caring for someone with mental ill health in the UK.
‘Hidden’ caring
Because mental health problems are not always ‘seen’, and the support needed can be more emotional than practical, carers often don’t see themselves as carers.
But you could be providing all sorts of help – emotional support, positivity, encouragement, and also quite often practical help too, e.g. with daily tasks such as shopping, cooking and cleaning, when they find things overwhelming.
You are a carer.
Specialist support
We have a specialist team – Mental Health Carer Advisers – to support YOU.
Their role is to support you directly, and also to work with professionals across Surrey to help them better understand and support carers in this situation.
They can talk with you about your caring role, help you explore your options, and make sure you’re getting the right support.
They can also tell you about Action for Carers Surrey events and support groups, and signpost you to further help from Surrey County Council, the NHS, and other local charities and community organisations.
Our Mental Health Carer Advisors work in various ways:
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Whole Family and Substance Misuse support
Our Whole Family and Substance Abuse team supports and advocates for family members caring for someone with a mental health condition. This includes young carers (under 18). We also have a dedicated adviser supporting carers of people with a history of substance misuse. -
Working alongside the Surrey and Borders ‘Home First’ team
Two of our advisers work with the Surrey and Borders Home First team to help identify and support hard-to-reach carers. This includes carers supporting someone experiencing significant mental health difficulties, such as psychosis, and who may be in – or close to – crisis. -
Carer Practice Advisers within Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Two further ACS staff are Carer Practice Advisers within Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. They work with NHS staff to help them better identify, understand and support carers of people with mental health conditions.
Get support
To get support from our Mental Health team, please contact our Helpline (0303 040 1234) or register with us giving a brief description of your caring situation, and we’ll put you in touch.
We also run a number of specialist support groups , including regular sessions for carers of adults with mental health problems and carers of young people with mental health problems.
We also often hold events for carers supporting someone with mental health needs, such as information days and workshops, sometimes with guest speakers.
I’ve benefitted by sharing my time with people who understand me, don’t judge and give me lots of support
Carer, Surrey
For younger carers
Many young carers are caring for someone with mental health problems, often a parent. We have specific support via our Surrey Young Carers service. It can be hard to have someone with mental health problems in the family, but we have information, events and social activities to help you as a young person in this situation.
The evening was brilliant as a stress relief and to spend time out from home.
Frequently asked questions
What support is available for mental health carers in Surrey?
Action for Carers Surrey offers free, confidential support for unpaid carers, including specialist Mental Health Carer Advisers, emotional support, advice, groups and local signposting.
Can I get a Carer’s Assessment if the person I care for has mental health problems?
Yes. You are entitled to a Carer’s Assessment in your own right. It looks at how caring affects your life and what support could help you.
What should I do if the person I care for is in mental health crisis?
If there is immediate danger, call 999. If urgent but not life-threatening, contact NHS 111. In Surrey, you can access mental health crisis support via NHS 111 (option 2).
Other sources of support
Catalyst (Surrey)
Support for people affected by stress, anxiety and depression, plus drug and alcohol services. They also support carers and run Family and Friends groups across Surrey.
Call: 01483 590 150
Website: Catalyst (see families and carers section)
Carers Trust (UK-wide)
Information for carers supporting someone with mental health problems, plus advice on looking after your own wellbeing.
Also includes resources on the The Triangle of Care approach (improving how services involve and support carers).
The Carers Trust has further information on supporting someone with mental health problems, as well as looking after your own mental health.
Mind (UK-wide)
Practical mental health information and support for carers, family and friends, including coping strategies and guidance on what to do if you’re worried about someone.
Charity Mind has lots of help and information on its website for carers and family members generally on coping when someone in the family has mental health issues.
Call: 0300 102 1234
Website: mind.org.uk
Turning Point
Health and social care services, including mental health and drug/alcohol support.
Also offers a free Carers Wellbeing Guide with tips on self-care, managing difficult emotions, and taking breaks.
Website: Turning Point
Young Minds
You may find it especially difficult to be the parent of a young person with a mental health problem. Charity Young Minds can help. They work to ensure young people get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s difficulties. They have support for families too, including a Parents Survival Guide and a confidential helpline for parents.
Call: 0808 802 5544
Website: Young Minds
