Carers Involvements is equally important for individuals and families in considering the way that mental health services are planned, set up and run. The DRE programmes supports a regional BME Carers group within the forum of CIP - Carers in Partnership. The BME Carers group is chaired by a local BME carer and support provided from local carers development workers Community Development Workers and other active carers in the BME community.
Caring for Carers is crucial and the DRE programme have worked closely with Meriden - The West Midlands Family Programme to support carers through a train the trainers BME Carers Programme.
Modules include:
- Experiences of caring for someone with mental health issues
- Education & Information Sharing
- Communicating in Families
- Problem Solving
- Dealing with crises and staying well
- Recovery and hope
- Taking care of yourself
The BME Carers Group hold an annual regional development seminar to explore the needs of BME Carers experiences within mental health. Bi-monthly meetings of the BME Group are supported via West Midlands Regional Development Centre.
References: http://www.carersinpartnership.org/
For more information on WMRDC's work with carers, contact Simon Foster at simon.foster@wmrdc.org.uk