Relative Reach is the peer-led programme of support developed by CAUSE to answer carers' needs.

Providing carer advocacy, support groups, a helpline, and educational, training and respite courses

CAUSE Carer Advocates are based at locations throughout Northern Ireland - contact details are listed in the 'Contact Us' page of this website.

You can speak to Carer Advocates in their offices, or at a different location such as a cafe, if you prefer.

Contact the CAUSE Office, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   or contact your local Carer Advocate for an appointment

Support Groups

CAUSE Support Groups provide support and advice for families and carers of those with mental illness. All CAUSE Carer Advocates who facilitate Support Groups have experience of mental illness in a relative or close friend, so we do know how you feel.

CAUSE support groups provide an opportunity to express feelings and to hear others' experiences. The meetings often include presentations on a range of relevant topics, offering carers the opportunity to learn more about caring for a family member with a mental illness, in a relaxed informal setting.

CAUSE Support Groups can offer

• Practical advice
• A sympathetic ear
• Information

SUPPORT GROUPS MEET AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

SOUTH & EAST BELFAST:

Ravenhill Adult Centre, 318a Ravenhill Road, Belfast

Support group meets Last Thursday of each month, 6.30-8.30pm.

NORTH & WEST BELFAST:

Support group meets First Friday of each month, 2.30-4.00pm.

Falls Community Centre, 275-277 Falls Road, Belfast.

Support group meets Second Tuesday of each month, 2.00-3.30pm.

LISBURN AREA:

Derriaghy, Unit 7, The Cutts, Dunmurry Industrial Estate, Derriaghy.

Support group meets First Thursday of each month, 7.00-9.00pm

NORTH DOWN & ARDS AREA:

Ards Hospital, Church Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AS

ARMAGH & DUNGANNON AREA:

Dungannon, The Craft Room, Beacon Centre, 12 Ballygawley Road, Dungannon.

Support group meets Last Monday of each month 8.00pm-9.30pm.

CRAIGAVON & BANBRIDGE AREA:

Banbridge, REACT, 30a Arderys Lane, Banbridge, BT32 3RE

Support group meets First Wednesday of each month 7.00pm-9.00pm.

NEWRY & MOURNE AREA:

Newry, Ballybot House, 28 Cornmarket, Newry.

Support group meets Last Thursday of each month 7.00pm-9.00pm.

EAST ANTRIM AREA:

Carrickfergus, Hawthorns Adult Centre, Ellis Street Carrickfergus.

Support group meets Last Wednesday of each month 7.00pm-9.00pm

FOYLE AREA:

L'Derry, Melrose Day Centre (beside Waterside Library), Glendermott Road, BT47 6BG.

Support group meets Last Tuesday of each month 7.00pm-9.00pm

Helpline

Open 9am to 9pm every day of the year. Answered by experienced carers.

0845 6030291

Local call rates - Confidential

Educational, Training and Respite Programmes

CAUSE organise a range of educational, training and respite activities (for further details of the Charity's training service, please click on this link, or access the Training page on the main menu).

The CAUSE ‘PREP’ course is an educational programme for carers of individuals with serious mental illness.  Comprising of 10 two-hour weekly sessions, the course provides skills training in coping strategies, problem solving and communication, as well as information on medication and symptom management.

One carer who completed a CAUSE ‘PREP’ course stated:

‘I feel honoured to have been a participant, and sincerely hope the course continues for a long time so that many other carers will benefit the way I have.’

Other CAUSE activities include stress management courses, and carer respite weekends.  Further details on all courses and activities are available from the appropriate Carer Advocate, or from CAUSE Head Office.