Unpaid carers in Northampton and surrounding areas who look after a loved one with mental health issues are being encouraged to attend an event about recovery and hope.

Those who feel they would benefit are invited to attend two free courses on Saturday, November 13, which are taking place at St Andrew’s Healthcare’s Main Building on the Billing Road.

‘Discovery of Recovery’ will start from 10am and will explore the difference between clinical and personal recovery and what it looks like. Attendees will also get the chance to learn about the history and practical application of the recovery movement and how it can help.

The second session, ‘Finding Hope’ will start at 130pm and looks at the importance of hope, how it can be used as a skill and how people might maximise their hopefulness in a bid to improve their happiness and wellbeing.

The whole day is being run by the St Andrew’s Healthcare’s Carer Engagement Team with the St Andrew’s REDS Academy, which will deliver the recovery-focused educational courses.

Rebecca Amena, Carer Engagement and Family Liaison Lead, said: “Looking after someone with complex mental health conditions can be very challenging day to day. The depths of despair for both patient and carer can run deep, so we wanted to hold a day-long event to provide support to those who need it most. Recovery can mean many things to many people and be found in many different forms, so we’re hoping to show attendees what recovery can look like”.

Stephen Parker at REDS, said: “We also want to show the importance of empowering those who support a loved one with mental health issues to actively seek out recovery and hope so they can go on to live meaningful lives.

“Many people don’t realise that it is possible to live a full and happy life even if symptoms continue to occur or occasionally reoccur. All our courses are designed and delivered with input from people with lived experience of mental health challenges, so attendees will be hearing from people who have already been there and want to share their learnings.”

Rob, a carer to his son and wife who both have mental health issues, said: “It can be a lonely world being a carer for your loved ones. We’re so busy looking after their needs, sometimes we can forget about our own.

“But, as a carer it is hard to describe how you feel when you see those first signs of recovery. Some of us have described our journey as a roller coaster ride, but with hope comes the realisation that one day the ride will stop and you will be able to get off.

“I urge anyone who is struggling and feels like they’re the only one going through this to come along to the event as if nothing else you’ll get the chance to meet like-minded people and the more support you can get, the better.”

Prior registration for the FREE event is required and spaces are limited as this is a COVID secure environment. . Click here to sign up.