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Everymind is seeking carers who live in Australia to trial a new six-week online program, Minds Together for carers, dedicated to educating and building the skills of carers who provide support for individuals experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.
The program aims to help support the mental health and wellbeing of carers; to inform and connect them with helpful resources and tools; and to empower and support carers to recognise the role that their own mental health plays in contributing to and influencing the care they provide.
Everymind Acting Program Manager, Dr Sally Fitzpatrick, said building capacity in carers can help to positively enhance their own mental health and wellbeing and the individuals for whom they provide care.
“Providing care for someone experiencing depression and/or anxiety is often a really difficult and stressful job and it can negatively impact on the mental health of carers,” said Dr Fitzpatrick.
“We know that prevention strategies can significantly lower mental ill-health and the Minds Together for carers program is an evidence-driven approach to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of carers through access to a tailored program of resources.”
The project team aims to recruit approximately 60 participants nationally to test the program.
The program's four modules explore areas of the carer’s journey, effective communication techniques and helpful self-care strategies for everyday life.
Each module includes information sheets, interactive activities, case studies, and videos and podcasts featuring real-life carers, clinicians, and others working in the mental health sector.
Minds Together for carers was developed with carers who either have supported, or are currently supporting someone experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety.
The program includes videos and podcasts with carers who share their own experiences and learnings, as well as mental health experts providing tips and advice.
Participants in the Minds Together for carers trial must be aged 16 years or older, currently providing support and care for someone who is experiencing, or has experienced, symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, be living in Australia and have access to the internet and a computer/device.
Register your interest via the online form by Wednesday, 1 July 2020.
You can read more about this project here or contact [email protected]
Help-seeking
If anyone feels the need to reach out for support following this news, Everymind encourages individuals to do so via relevant help seeking services.
National 24/7 crisis services:
Lifeline: 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Carer Gateway, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm local time: 1800 422 737 | carergateway.gov.au
The program has also been informed by a review of published research literature and survey completed by 123 carers and interview consultation with 20 carers undertaken between 2018 and 2019.
Published: 25 May 2020
