ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the value of working in partnership with a service user’s social network. It looks at the experiences of families in contact with mental health services and some of the issues that families encounter, with emphasis on the use of confidentiality and the provision of accurate information to the family. The chapter examines some things that family members may find helpful, before exploring some principles that underpin how the psychiatric nurse or mental health nurse can craft a relationship between the family, the service user and themselves that will create the conditions for everyone to thrive. Carers’ groups fall into two broad categories: open support groups, and more educational, closed groups. The open support groups are for any carer to attend at any time, and include time for carers to discuss their experiences, have peer support and may have guest speakers.
