Carers carry out a highly important role. Their involvement as a carer however can lead to feelings of frustration over a lack of access to and support from outside services. They may also feel there is insufficient acknowledgement for the demands placed upon them.

Some facts:

• Carers are most often family members or an imitate partner.
• The caring role may be adopted for a short-term period due to an acute mental illness or long-term resulting from intellectual or physical disability or chronic mental illness.
• Trying to manage the demands of caring for a mentally and/or physically unwell loved one and retaining some personal quality and meaning for life can be difficult.  A carer may have to cut back on work hours or leave the workforce entirely. Finances and standard of living may be affected. Social isolation, physical fatigue and exhaustion may also occur.
• Carers can be particularly vulnerable to feelings of depression and anxiety if not receiving adequate support.
• By joining a support group like this carers have an opportunity to gain some support, learn new coping skills and develop both s professional and personal support networks.