Support scheme delivers 300 sessions for carers

Carers supporting people with mental illness have accessed more than 300 sessions of emotional and practical support in the first six months of a new partnership in Jersey.

The Listening Lounge has been working alongside Dementia Jersey, Focus on Mental Illness and Jersey Eating Disorders Support to deliver the Carer Support Service, project leaders said.

Since November, the four organisations have run a range of groups, giving carers access to support including mental health first aid and Caring for Carers courses.

Director of mental health provision at the LV Care Group, Lucy Nicolaou, said the response to the service highlighted the need for the support and the positive impact it can have.

Work began after Health and Care Jersey awarded a three-year contract in 2025 to the Listening Lounge.

Nicolaou said it was important to recognise the "invaluable contribution made by those supporting loved ones living with mental health difficulties".

"Too often, carers do not identify themselves as such and can miss out on the support available to them," she said.

"Through this partnership, we are working together to build a more carer-friendly community by helping Islanders recognise their caring role, access support and feel valued for the vital contribution they make every day."

The service has also introduced social activities aimed at supporting carers' wellbeing and reducing social isolation, such as walks and cinema trips.

One-to-one peer support sessions are also available through the Listening Lounge, which provide carers with access to more personalised emotional support.

The Carer Support Service said 24 carers had registered for one-to-one support.

Health and Care Services' managing director Andy Weir said carers "play a vital role, often putting the needs of others before their own".

He said: "This partnership is a great example of joint working, and is already making a real difference by giving carers the support, skills and space they need to look after their own wellbeing too."

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