Carers/Peer Support

If you need personal support
please click on Find Help page above for more information. 

 What is Peer Support

If you are living with a mental health illness, you will know how isolated and alone you can feel at times.

Family, friends and work colleagues may not understand what you are going through. Mental ill-health is different from physical illness where people can see you have a broken arm or have a cold. With mental illness, it’s different as it is “invisible” and if visible at all can present itself by a change in mood and behaviour that can be misinterpreted as being grumpy, difficult or even lazy by those who are closest to us.

At times like these it’s good to be able to talk with someone who has travelled a similar path and has, to coin a phrase “been there, done that and worn the tee shirt” and this is where peer support can be a lifeline.

Peer support for mental health occurs when people living with a mental health illness connect with each other as equals to share knowledge and experience and give emotional, social or practical help. This support could happen on a one to one basis through peer befriending, on the telephone or internet (via blogs or online chat) or in a group setting.

If you are aware of any peer support groups or peer befriending schemes for the area where you live that are not listed here, please send us the name and contact details via our contact us page so that we can get in touch and hopefully add them to this website.

Carer Support - Caring for the Carer


It's vital that someone who has caring responsibilities for someone else knows first of all how to look after themselves. That may sound selfish but the fact is that maintaining your own health and well-being will help you face the on-going challenges you face each day as a carer and give you the stamina and capacity to provide the best care for your loved one.

Stress is common amongst people who care for others. Research has shown that if stress is allowed to build up, overtime this may lead to the development of more serious problems.

Maintaining contact with family and friends is also important in helping you to manage your responsibilities and share your concerns. If you are struggling don't be afraid to seek help.

Keeping in contact will aid with preventing you becoming isolated and possibly overwhelmed. Remember to make time to take regular exercise, follow a healthy eating plan and get quality sleep.

Below is the list of carers and 
peer support organisations

List of services

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