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Who are we?

We are a community based psychosocial intervention NHS service who offer support to anyone over the age of 18 years who experience mental health \difficulties.

What is the family and friends support group?

The family and friends support group is offered to family and friends of individuals who access the Step Forward service. This can be anyone who provides support for a family member, partner or friend who has mental health difficulties.

The family and friends group aims to provide you with help when supporting someone with mental health difficulties, provide you with education about mental health difficulties, a space to ask any questions you may have and to meet other individuals with who you may share similar experiences.

What will the family and friends support group involve?

Step_Forward_Service_family_and_friends_support_group_-_image_1.jpgThe family and friends group involves four drop-in sessions:

  • Session 1: offers an introduction to Step Forward and the family and friends support group
  • Session 2: involves understanding mental health difficulties, the impact of trauma and substance misuse as a coping strategy
  • Session 3: offers support on how you can help when your loved one is struggling, what mental health services are available and other practical support
  • Session 4: involves looking after yourself, approaching challenging conversations with your loved ones and carer support services available
  • You don’t have to attend all four sessions; you can attend any of the sessions you may find beneficial.

Why this group might be helpful?

You may benefit from this group by

  • Developing your understanding about mental health difficulties
  • Learning how you can support your loved one
  • Finding out what services provide additional support
  • Finding out ways to look after yourself
  • Meeting other individuals with similar situations.

What can I expect

  • This is a group session for individuals who support a loved one with mental health difficulties
  • The session will be delivered by facilitators remotely on a digital platform called Zoom
  • A respectful and compassionate environment
  • A safe space to ask questions regarding mental health difficulties and support.

Contact us

If you would like to come along to the family and friends support group or if you would like more information regarding the group, you can contact us by email: StepForwardTeam@merseycare.nhs.uk or phone: 0738 541 1137 (for Liverpool) and StepForwardSefton.Kirkby@merseycare.nhs.uk (For Sefton and Kirkby).

We are not able to respond to you on an urgent basis or outside of our core working hours which are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Other useful services and information

Step_Forward_Service_family_and_friends_support_group_-_image_2.jpg

 

 

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
V7 Building, Kings Business Park
Prescot, L34 1PJ
Tel: 0151 473 0303

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