Family Involvement
Families are considered a vital part of a mental health service user's recovery journey. They are a source of support and encouragement to their loved one, and quite often are able to see when something is wrong before the person is aware they are becoming unwell.
Mental Health Services endeavour to include and consult with families during the various stages in their loved one's treatment. This may include family and discharge meetings, and discussion with mental health staff on an individual basis. Family members are encouraged to feel they can contact staff to discuss any issues or concerns they may have. They can also help us with useful and relevant information about their loved one's history during episodes of chronic illness.
Sometimes families need some support for themselves in the process of recovery alongside their loved one. This is available for families of mental health service users from Supporting Families (Aoraki). This service employs registered mental health nurses who are available to work with families to care for themselves and their family member.
Click here for more information about Supporting Families (Aoraki).