Sir,
I work for a Charity called the Bipolar Carer's Trust. Our aim is to improve the quality of life for carers and their families who are affected by Bipolar Disorder/ depression.
We do this through a programme of education – a course or support session which we call 'Together'.
Our approach is innovative. It is a dual management concept. We advocate the carer and sufferer and try to work as a team in order to help prevent future episodes of elation and depression, to lessen the impact of episodes and also to reduce long hospital days.
Our course is educational. Our facilitators, who are carers themselves, have undergone in- house training by the 'Together' authors and are eager to share their knowledge and expertise with carers who are experiencing anxiety, streets and uncertainty.
Our 'Together' course is designed to give carers increased knowledge, information, and insight. It also offers reassurance that carers are doing the right thing, especially in times of crisis. The course teaches the carer to recognise the onset of a moodswing and how to intervene before it becomes out of control (this can be achieved by working with the sufferer).
The course is free of charge, lunch and refreshments are provided and travel assistance can be provided. The Bipolar Carer's trust has run over 20 very successful courses to date. Eight carers is the optimum number and everything is completely confidential.
The course takes place on Saturday 4th and 11th December in Abergavenny.
For more information about Bipolar Carer's Trust and to book your place on our next course, telephone 07779 202426.
(Name and address supplied)