Get help Supporting Activities Supporting Activities Due to the current pandemic and to assist our carers, volunteers, supporters and staff, we have set up an online hub to provide practical support and information that is useful for people supporting people with a complex mental illness. Further to government advice on the coronavirus and the importance of social distancing to keep people safe, we are asking all of our groups not to meet in person for the foreseeable future but instead to maintain contact, where possible, through phone, email and other virtual technology. The UK Government has increased measures to help combat the spread of the coronavirus which includes social distancing, the avoidance of public meetings including all our respite activities and the need to stop any non-urgent travel. Our front line team of Carer Advocates and all other staff have been asked to work from home and adhere to this guidance. Therefore, support to groups and individuals will now be provided by telephone and email and Carer Advocates will be unable to meet in person for the foreseeable future. If you need support please call our free and confidential HELPLINE on 0800 103 2833 or email: [email protected] Time for you Those people who support someone living with a complex mental issue, face daily challenges that are outside the coping skills of most people - often dealing with complex crisis led behaviour. If that is you, we know you are the main link between professionals and your loved ones, taking daily responsibility for ensuring that they stay well and remain engaged with social and health care services. The aim of CAUSE Carers Supporting Activities is simple - it is to give you a break from caring and enable you to do something for yourself. 'This has been so relaxing. I feel very understood by others in the same situation as me. I feel supported and energised. Cannot thank you enough!' PS Newry This is important, not only to ensure that you are able to continue to support the person you care for, but that you feel valued for the work you do. We organise a range of short breaks, day outings, evening events, lunches, walks etc. and we try to ensure that there is something available for everyone. 'I found this respite break invaluable from a stressful home situation. As a carer to come away to a beautiful location was peaceful and beautiful. Thank you a most refreshing and beneficial stay.' - DK Bangor We know from experience that our carers find these opportunities invaluable, not least on the time spent with others in similar situations - this can help to decrease the feelings of isolation that go hand in hand with caring for a loved one. 'This break has been amazing for me- I feel that I have gained friends in similar situations to myself and I am more ready to face the daily routine at home. Thank you!' RT Lisburn CAUSE Family Connections Training and Workshops CAUSE has developed a range of unique practical and psycho-educational skills based programmes for those who support someone living with severe mental illness and/or Personality Disorder. Our trainers and 'experts by experience’ work together to develop and deliver our highly regarded workshops. This approach brings together both theoretical and real life experiences to produce a comprehensive range of useful information for carers and family members. Our participants have said that this style of training gives a unique perspective into understanding mental health and living with mental health problems. 'I was blown away by all the information provided on my residential course and overwhelmed to realise that I am not on my own. This is an amazing charity helping us care for our loved ones who are ill.' AJ Newcastle Our programmes give our carers the opportunity to meet and share experiences with other carers in a safe and supported environment. We aim to help tackle many of the issues facing carers and explore what you can do differently, build on existing skills and develop ways to cope with the emotional impact of supporting your loved one. 'Thank you for an excellent and valuable workshop. So many helpful tips to deal with my situation, I’m so glad I went. Now I need to put it all into practice!' ML Newtownards For more information on courses / events / workshops run by CAUSE please call us on 028 90 650 650 or email: [email protected]