A carer is a family member or friend who, at the time of need, provides support to someone who has a mental illness or disorder.
The support provided by the carer can come in many different forms. Friendship and advocacy are but two of the most important and common forms of support. Carers may also provide financial, emotional and practical support. A carer may be the primary person who seeks help for a person experiencing a crisis. A carer may also be able to assist the person to keep to suggested treatment and help encourage recovery activities.
For some carers it is a fulltime commitment; the need for support is often unpredictable and can vary in intensity over time. It is important to acknowledge those people who do not identify with the term ‘carer’, as well as the often forgotten carers – children and young people who may assume a carer role.
The NSW Mental Health Act 2007 includes provisions around the sharing of information with families and carers. The term they use is Primary Carer.
Even when a primary carer has not been formally nominated by the consumer the Act allows for a designated Primary Carer. This may be a spouse, a close friend or relative, or the person primarily responsible for the consumer.
For more information click here to access the Rights of Primary Carers - Mental Health Act 2007 fact sheet.