ABSTRACT
Approximately 50 per cent of those with severe mental health problems live with family or friends (Dept of Health, 1999a). It is estimated that up to 1.5 million people in the UK care for a relative or friend with a mental illness (Rethink, 2003). The physical and psychological wellbeing of relatives is inevitably affected by living with someone with a serious mental health problem (Fadden, 1998), yet relatives can also play an important role in their recovery. Many assertive outreach clients and their family and friends may benefit from support to improve relationships, understanding and mental wellbeing.
