Photo opportunity 7pm, Wednesday 11 April, 10 Constitution Road, Dundee.
Seventeen carers will be presented with certificates tonight for completing a six week course organised by the University of Dundee and the Tayside Carers Support Project. The aim of the course was to give carers the skills to approach the appropriate authorities regarding mental health issues and every day problems facing carers of mentally ill people.
The programme tackled six different areas including communication skills, establishing support groups for education, campaigning and discussion and looking at the reasons why people get involved in changing the structures and laws that determine circumstances for the carer. The course stressed the importance of working together to influence services and service providers.
Eric Corstorphine of the University of Dundee, led communication skills - how do you get doctors and health professionals to listen? Training included role play which was popular with the carers providing them with real scenarios. Ron Neil also of the University of Dundee's School of Nursing and Midwifery addressed the types of groups that carers can set up.Isabel Anderson of the Princes Trust explained why people get involved in trying to change the system.
Cathy Hamilton, Carers' Support Officer for the Tayside Carers' Support Project said: "The course was a great success. Everyone felt comfortable participating and I think the course has established a great foundation for the Carer's Forum we hope to set up after tonight's presentations." ENDS