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Childline
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Carers Support Service (South-Eastern Trust)
The Carers Support Service exists to provide practical and emotional support to carers, family members and friends who are looking after someone living with a mental health condition. We aim to help carers feel connected, informed and supported in their caring role.
"Through coming here, I've regained my pride and confidence. "
Downpatrick Resource Centre ClientWho is this service for?
This service is available to anyone who cares for someone with mental health issues and lives within the South-Eastern Health & Social Care Trust area.
What does the service offer?
We offer a range of support options to help carers feel empowered, understood and connected:
- One-to-one support sessions (in person or by phone)
- Peer support groups (in-person and online)
- Information, educational and wellness sessions
- Weekly activities at different locations
- Signposting to additional support services when needed
Our Aim
Our aims are to help carers:
- Reduce isolation through peer support and one-to-one contact
- Learn more about specific mental health conditions and caring strategies
- Improve their own health and wellbeing
- Access wider services through signposting
- Connect with other carers for mutual support and friendship
How to access the service
You can access the service through:
- Self-referral, or
- Referral by a professional
- Monday–Friday, 9.30am–4pm
- Every 1st and 3rd Thursday, with sessions offered during the day or 7pm–9pm in the evening, depending on the needs of carers
The service is based at the MindWise Downpatrick Resource Centre, and support is offered:
- In person
- By phone
- Via video calls
Our peer support group also meets at the centre every 1st and 3rd Thursday, during the day or from 7pm–9pm, depending on the needs of carers.
What can I expect?
Once you make contact, our Carer Support Worker will arrange an informal personal assessment, either in person or by phone. During this conversation, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Talk about your caring role
- Share what you would like from the service
- Learn more about the support, groups and activities available
Additional Support
In addition to our core service, we offer:
- Carers Money Advice through the MindWise Money Advice Service
- Other local support groups and services
- Community and wellbeing resources
By supporting carers, we help strengthen families, reduce loneliness, and improve wellbeing for both carers and the people they support. Your engagement with this service helps us understand what works best and continuously improve our support.
