Carers Groups and Workshops

The groups and workshops listed below are open to all carers registered with the Carers in Mind service. They all take place online via video conferencing software, Zoom, unless otherwise stated.

If you would like to join a group or workshop and are not currently registered, please complete our Carers Registration Form and return it to [email protected]

Please email [email protected] to sign up for any of the events below, unless other contact details are given.
 

Peer Support Groups

We run four support groups per month for people supporting a loved one with their mental health. The groups are an opportunity to meet other people in a similar position and share your experiences. 
 
Twickenham Group – Second Monday of month: 6.30-8.30pm
Usually based in Twickenham, for all carers. To book, contact Kathleen on 07801 200450 or [email protected]
 
Partners  Group – Second Wednesday of month: 6.30-8pm 
This group is for people caring for their partner. To book, contact Gary on 07502 300978 or [email protected]

Daytime Group – Third Monday of month: 10.30am-12pm 
Support group during the day for all carers. To book, contact Clare on 07849 090436 or [email protected]

East Sheen Group – Third Wednesday of month: 7-9pm
This is our longest running group, established in 1994. Returning on 21 April. To book, contact Clare on 07849 090436 or [email protected]
 

Coping with Caring Workshops

Twice a year we host 5 workshops, full of tips and strategies to handle the challenges of supporting a loved one’s mental health. These workshops are designed to enhance your understanding of the Mental Health Carers Handbook (co-produced by RB Mind and South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust) and are aimed at adults supporting adults.

You can attend any of the workshops, or all 5.

All these sessions will run online, on Zoom. Please register in advance using the links below.

Session 1 – Navigating the Mental Health Maze
Tuesday, 27 April, 10am-12pm
To register, click here.

A workshop aimed at improving awareness of the various professionals and teams in mental health services. We hope you will gain more knowledge on how to access support for loved ones along with a better understanding of who to call in a crisis situation.
 
Session 2 – Improving Communication Skills
Thursday, 6 May, 10am-12pm
To register, click here.

In this workshop you will gain a greater understanding of different listening skills, along with learning how to identify challenging communication themes and how to confidently use effective styles of communication with both loved ones and with any professionals you may be dealing with.

Session 3 – Managing Challenging Behaviour
Tuesday, 11 May, 10am-12pm
To register, click here.

This workshop will aim to improve awareness and knowledge around what makes behaviour challenging. We will explain different types of challenging behaviour and the different ways in which you can respond. We will also talk about why self-care is important when you are dealing with behaviour from your loved ones that you find challenging.

Session 4 – The Recovery Approach
Tuesday, 18 May, 10am-12pm
To register, click here.

In this workshop we will look at recovery and what it means, along with how to maintain hope for yourselves and for your loved one. We aim to improve awareness of how you can support your loved one in their recovery journey, including recognising the strengths that they already have within them.

Session 5 – Wellbeing
Tuesday, 25 May, 10am-12pm
To register, click here. 

In the last workshop of this series, we will talk about your recovery, covering stress triggers, and ways to enhance your current coping skills in order to build your resilience. We’ll introduce you to the 5 Ways to Wellbeing model, explaining how it can help you in your own wellbeing and recovery.
 

Learning Events 

Join us and a special guest for an informative cuppa.   

The Mental Health Act 1983 – proposed changes
Wednesday, 7 April, 11am-12.30pm

We are holding an event to explain the main changes proposed in the government white paper to revise the Mental Health Act. In a recent email we informed you of the plans for changes to be made and gave a link to the consultation. If you would like to hear about the changes from us, this event is for you.
On Zoom. To register, click here.

Mental Health Medication – by the Trust Pharmacy Team
Monday, 26 April, 2-3pm

Learn about the different types of mental health medication prescribed by the NHS Trust.
On Zoom. To register, click here.

Meet the RB Mind Journey Recovery Hub Team
Thursday, 27 May, 6-7pm

Learn about this team and how it could support your cared for in times of crisis.
On Zoom. To register, click here.
 

Walk and Talk Group

The aim of this group is to connect with other carers and get some emotional support, whilst being out in nature and doing some gentle walking. We have limited availability due to the rule of 6. Staff and volunteers are running these groups so that we can have multiple groups of 6 for each date if needed.

We also ask you to wear a mask during the group and more guidance will be sent to those who register to attend. These groups are currently subject to government guidance and if there are any changes we will keep you all updated. To sign up please email [email protected] or respond to the text reminder which will be sent closer to the time.

Date: Thursday, 1 April
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Location: Twickenham (details tbc)

Date: Wednesday, 14 April
Time: 2-4pm
Location: Barnes (details tbc)

Date: Tuesday, 4 May
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Location: Richmond (details tbc)

Date: Friday, 21 May
Time: 2-4pm
Location: Teddington (details tbc)
 

**New Group** – Stretch and Relax Sessions

Half an hour of gentle relaxation and stretches in the morning run by a qualified yoga teacher via Zoom.

Friday, 9 April, 9.30-10am
Friday, 23 April, 9.30-10am

For any questions or queries, and to book, contact us on [email protected] or call our landline on 020 8940 7384.