I began working in mental health through my own experience as a carer from a young age. For the past 15 years, I’ve been co-facilitating Rethink Mental Illness’ Caring and Coping course, in partnership with Carers in Hertfordshire.

This six-week course is co-produced with carers and aims to give people information, insight, and confidence to help them navigate the challenges they face. Over the years, what has struck me most is how much I’ve learned from the carers who take part. Their lived experience and knowledge are now central to every session.

Here’s what Ken shared after completing the course:

“I’d never been told anything about recovery, either for myself as a carer or for my daughter. I always thought recovery meant one thing — going back to how things were before. My daughter has been unwell for half her life, and only recently was I told her diagnosis is schizophrenia. Hearing words like ‘chronic’ and ‘treatment resistant’ made everything feel hopeless, and I felt helpless.”

Ken explained how isolating this felt, until he joined the course:

“What I found was that I could talk to other people about how I felt — and they really listened. There was one young person who spoke about their own mental health and caring role, which really moved me. How did they manage so much at their age? It inspired me to think about what I do to cope.”

Through the course, Ken gained new perspectives:

“We talked about boundaries and choices — which seems simple, but was new to me. I thought I was responsible for everything. Learning about the triangle of care and understanding that everyone has a role helped me realise where my limits are.”

Ken is now preparing to start talking therapy alongside his daughter:

“I can’t say I know what the future looks like, but it feels like there might be a way forward now. If you’re a carer who feels overwhelmed or isolated, I’d recommend giving this course a go.”

Join the Next Rethink Mental Illness Caring and Coping Course

The Caring and Coping course runs weekly for six weeks. View the posters below for more information.

Contact: jonathan.clack@rethink.org to register or find out more.

Additional support for carers

New Leaf Recovery and Wellbeing College also offers 6-hour recovery-focused course for carers. This course helps carers explore the personal impact of their role, develop coping strategies, and reflect on the importance of acceptance, hope, and self-care.

You can also find additional services, recovery resources, and practical guidance on our Carers Hub.

Back to blogCarers Hub Carers: Change, acceptance and your wellbeing course