Carers' Handbook

A person with a long-term health condition or with a mental illness has greatly improved prospects of recovery and of staying as well as possible if they have family and friends to support them.

Anyone who provides unpaid support – partner, parent, child, relation, friend, work colleague – is an informal carer. Support might be 24/7 all year round, or only an hour a week; regardless, it is vital to the health and wellbeing of the person who is unwell.

At CPFT we recognise that not only do we have a responsibility to provide the best possible treatment and care for our patients, but also that we have a responsibility to work alongside and provide support and advice to carers.

This online handbook is part of our commitment to work closely with all carers as partners in the ‘Triangle of Care’. We know that carers want three main things: 

• The best possible treatment for their loved one
• Their own needs to be met
• And to know how best to support their loved one.

This handbook describes what you as a carer can expect from our services so that you get this help and support. The handbook has been divided into chapters, which are listed down the right-hand side of the page, to make it easy for you to navigate.

Caring for someone can be physically, emotionally and practically demanding. On behalf of CPFT, I would like to pass on my thanks and admiration for the care and support you provide. I hope this online handbook supports you in your vital role.