MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS

Support for Carers of People with Mental Health Conditions

Caring for someone with a  Mental Health Condition is challenging. Even though you may not always see the impact, you are making a huge difference.

Our aim is to provide you with the information, support and advice you may need to care for somebody with a Mental Health Condition and to be aware of and look after your own wellbeing.

Working in collaboration with the North London Mental Health Partnership we aim to ensure that carers are properly informed and involved in all stages of care.

Carers Mental Health Awareness training and events

How You’re Helping

  • You may feel frustrated that you can’t make someone feel better, or as if you’re not ‘enough’ to make them happy.
    But like physical health conditions, mental health  conditions can affect anyone. No one can prevent someone else from having a mental health condition .
  • You’re probably helping a lot more than you realise
    If possible, try talking to your loved one about what you are already doing to help and try to build up a clear idea about what you can do. Accept parts that you can’t do alone or things that you cannot change. Understanding what’s possible and being aware of your limits will help you to cope with the situation.
  • You don’t understand what they are going through.
    If you haven’t experienced living with a mental health condition , it can be difficult to understand what it’s like. Ask them to try and explain – but remember it isn’t always easy to describe.

What to do in a Crisis

If someone is in immediate danger or threatens harm:

  • Call 999 right away
  • Visit Accident & Emergency (Barnet General or North Middlesex Hospital)
  • Contact the Crisis Team: 0800 151 0023

The Crisis Team are your first point of contact in cases of individuals with an acute episode of functional mental illness (e.g. acute psychotic episode, schizophrenia, manic depression, moderate to severe depressive disorder) who would otherwise require admission.

For anyone experiencing a mental health crisis, North London NHS Foundation Trust’s new Mental Health Crisis Assessment Service (MHCAS) at Chase Farm Hospital is now open.

For non-urgent support, contact NHS 111 as your first point of contact

Understanding the Mental Health Act

Sometimes, individuals may be sectioned for urgent treatment. This is decided by doctors or a tribunal.  Learn more about this here.

Usually, people who are being treated for mental health issues have asked for this, or at least understand that it’s in their best interests.

Sometimes, because of the risk to themselves or others, people are detained for urgent treatment.

You can still visit and share important information with their care team.

You can discuss the treatment for the person you care for, if they agree to this.

You can read more about the Mental Health Act on the NHS website.

North London Mental Health Partnership

The beginning of November 2024 saw the creation of the North London Mental Health Partnership. This new NHS Trust brings together Camden & Islington and Barnet, Enfield & Haringey Mental Health Trusts to provide integrated Mental Health Services and to work together to improve care and support. The New partnership aims to use its increased size to offer increased flexibility in areas such as bed allocation and to learn and share best practice among the borough partners.

Enfield Carers Centre is already working with the partnership to support those caring for somebody with a Mental Health Condition.

Enfield Carers Centre will occasionally visit (it will usually be on a Monday) with our Advice & Information Stand. Our staff will be happy to chat to you, but if you need to talk to us more urgently ring us on 020 8366 3677.

Learn more about the North London Mental Health Partnership here.

Need More Information?

Carers Strategy

The North London NHS Foundation Trust launched its Carers Strategy 18th December 2025.  You can find a copy of this Strategy on their Carers page on their website: Carers | North London NHS Foundation Trust. 

"At North London NHS Foundation Trust, we recognise that carers, families, and friends are not just supporters—they are essential partners in the care and recovery of those living with mental health needs. This Carers Strategy 2025–2030 is our commitment to ensuring that their voices are heard, their contributions are valued, and their wellbeing is prioritised." Dr Vincent Kirchner, Chief Medical Officer 

This Strategy outlines their commitment to improving the experiences of all carers, recognising and valuing their expertise, and demonstrates how they will actively support their health and wellbeing. 

The stated commitments are: 

  1. Improving the identification and recognition of carers, family & friends. 
  2. Connecting carers, family & friends to support and resources. 
  3. The ongoing and meaningful involvement of family and friends in the care of their person. 
  4. Understanding the barriers that carers, family & friends experience to being an equal partner in care and working together to overcome them.  
  5. Demonstrating accountability through effective and responsive feedback, reporting and wider participation. 

 

Useful Information and Support