What would happen if someone you loved was diagnosed with a severe mental illness, what would you do, where would you turn – who could help you? One in four of us at some time in our life, will experience mental ill health but who else will this affect? 

We know that carers play an invaluable role in helping people recover from severe mental illness and that they should be acknowledged, valued and supported. As the largest regional voluntary sector provider of mental health services to carers in Northern Ireland, we know that caring for someone with mental illness is challenging. Mental illness is a fluctuating condition, often misunderstood and stigmatised, causing considerable emotional distress to carers. 

One of CAUSE’s much needed support services are Support Groups that offer an opportunity to these special carers not only as a break from their challenging roles but also a unique place for them to discuss issues and problems with mental health with their peers and with an experienced and highly trained CAUSE Carer Advocate.  As there is so much stigma still with severe mental illness like Schizophrenia and Psychosis, CAUSE support groups are often the first place that these carers seek solace. So please support our Support Groups throughout Northern Ireland so that these people can face the future confident in their challenging caring role. 

A CAUSE to care for - a great CAUSE to support!