The idea of developing a Black Carers group at BPMHA was an ambition of FSU/BPMHA for some time . The group was established with funding from Social Services but not without some setbacks along the way.

BPMHA has been given full responsibility for the group and is committed to the developing and delivery of services, which support adult carers caring for people with mental health problems in the community.

We aim to support carers by:

• Valuing the skills and knowledge of carers and the contribution they make to care in the community,
• Being aware of the issues which affect carers,
• Treating all carers as individuals in their own right and recognising that they have needs which are distinct from those of the person whom they care for,
• Dealing with carers in a manner that is courteous and respectful of the carer's individual circumstances, and
• Being sensitive about the caring role.

Equal Opportunities

We are:

• Committed to working with and supporting carers of black mental health users regardless of their age, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, disability or sexuality.
• Providing services which are accessible and which are respectful of differences in culture, religion and language.

Support offered through BPMHA

• Advice, assistance and informtion about services available
• Referral to CAB and other agencies where necessary.
• Carers social group giving mutual support
• Carers drop-in
• Outreach

We have provided individual and group support with advice, information and counselling. 31 Carers have gained training and support from local professionals and extra respite and holiday time has been allocated to stressed Carers. As a result, Carers have reported their satisfaction with the service provided.

Carers have been encouraged to participate in activities that raise their profile, particularly those from Black and Ethnic minorities (There is a separate report for the past year if this required). Unfortunately, due to restrictions caused by staff shortages in the past two years, we have been unable to fulfil the role we should have in representing the voice of Black Mental Health Users and Carers.

We take our responsibility in participating in mental health planning and policy seriously, and have been disappointed in not being able to attend appropriate meetings or to work more collaboratively with other agencies - statutory and voluntary. However, our priority has been, and must always be the well being of the clients at the centre and working with other agencies has unfortunately been a necessary casualty .