During Carers Week June 2017, we shared stories of hope, courage and the challenges carers face every day. Mum and Daughter Jinny and Hannah Slack have a remarkable relationship. Hannah’s physical and mental health has impacted on the family from time to time and she hears voices. Jinny supports Hannah and Hannah supports Jinny.
In Part 1 Jinny and Hannah spoke about family work within our Trust and how it turned their lives around. In Part 2 they chat about the significance and mutual benefits of volunteering and support groups for carers and families.
Their lives changed when Andrea Emmens – Family Interventions Coordinator, invited them to an open day for a service called Stepping Stones which has now closed. Guest speaker, Peter Bullimore who works with people who hear voices made a real impact on Hannah who was introduced to the work of Maastricht through Peter. Hannah became a volunteer for the Maastricht training programme and attends four times a year.
Jinny was introduced to a carers support group after her husband Robert died suddenly. Jinny said; ‘Hannah was a tower of strength to me during difficult times. After a while I attended a Bassetlaw Carers Day. We met Ingrid, another carer and an involvement volunteer at The Rosewood Centre who encouraged us to join Bassetlaw Carers Group. I didn’t think I needed it but I did and it helped enormously.
After a while we found out about volunteering through The Rosewood Centre and became actively involved as volunteers across Mental Health services in various roles. I take part in the training sessions sharing my story as a carer for the Family Interventions Team.
Volunteering and support groups have given us so much. We support each other sharing a wealth of experience. It’s helpful for connecting with professionals in the Trust and for meeting other carers and service users.
We talk, we guide each other, we swop stories, we gain knowledge and knowledge is power’.
Coming soon – Part 3 Hannah and Jinny share what they do to look after their health and wellbeing and how Hannah copes with hearing voices.
Family Interventions Team for Adult Mental Health.
Andrea Emmens – Family Interventions Coordinator, Mental Health Unit, Bassetlaw Hospital, Worksop Notts, S80 0BD
Tel: 01909 502025
Enquiries: bftenquiries@nottshc.nhs.uk Twitter @Familywork123
More information -Peter-Bullimore Peter Bullimore works in a clinical way with people that have mental health difficulties. Peter heard his first voice aged seven. He delivers training to mental health professionals, carers and support workers