Annette Duff, Senior Psychotherapist and Carer Lead for the Bedfordshire and Luton Complex Needs Service, talks about support offered by the service for carers, family and friends of service users.

What long-standing support has your service provided for your service users’ loved ones?
We have held a monthly complex emotional needs carer, family and friends monthly support group for the last 14 years.
It is a safe and confidential space for carers, family and friends to access information, share experience and to give and receive guidance and support on how to manage and consider their own needs.

What extra support are you now offering?
As the support group developed, attendees became more inquiring regarding specific vulnerabilities experienced by their loved ones and of treatments and skills learning that evidence showed to be effective in developing a life worth living. We listened and committed to deliver a co-produced and evidence based 12-week programme to meet these needs called Family Connections.

What does Family Connections provide?
It provides current information, teaches coping skills and creates the opportunity to develop a support network. Studies show that those who attend benefit from: decreased grief, decreased burden, reduced distress and depression and increased mastery/empowerment.

How does it help attendees?
The format of the classes allows group participants to obtain information as well as acquire and practice the application of skills in a confidential and supportive environment. These classes are currently run in the evening to maximise the opportunity of those who work/have responsibilities in the daytime to attend.

How do the support group and Family Connections connect?
There is a symbiotic relationship between the support group and the 12-week Family Connections programme. The monthly support group enables carers to understand the usefulness of attending this extended psycho-educational and skills training opportunity, and those who complete the Family Connections programme often regularly return to the monthly support group to discuss the use of skills gained and in order to explore further ways to engage positively with their loved ones whilst caring for themselves.

Who helps deliver the Family Connections sessions?
They are delivered by myself, psychological therapist Rachel Parslow and carer facilitator David Harper. It is a real team effort!

How does it feel to support the individuals who care for people with complex emotional needs?
It is a privilege to walk alongside these individuals and witness their compassion, commitment and giving of themselves. It has been an honour to have been able to support them and their development in making positive connections with their loved ones whilst developing an increase in their compassionate self-care.