FACTOR Update

FACTOR Update 
December 2008

One year after FACTOR was set up we held our first event; ‘Factor us In’. This was a conference involving a number of academic researchers who spoke about current research in mental health, and offered carers the opportunity to discuss the issues which are most important for them.

The conference was held in London, and was so oversubscribed, with 100 carers attending that people were turned away. For a short report on the conference, click here.
FACTOR is now involving carers in MHRN research activity through the Clinical Research Groups (CRG's). Two relatives of people in the forensic system are participating in the Service User and Carer Development in Secure Settings (SUCCESS) CRG. Carers attend briefing meetings where the researchers explain research concepts and ideas for proposals. During these meetings, carers describe to the researchers what it is like to be a forensic carer, including the difficulties in getting information, visiting their relative, and the double stigma of mental illness and offending which they experience in their neighbourhoods. FACTOR is also working with CAPSS - Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Surveillance System, and has been tasked with finding parents of children up to 18 years old to work with this CRG.

We have also gathered a group of eight carers to work on the IMPACT study - Improving Physical Health and reducing substance use in psychosis. These carers are contributing both from their personal experience of trying to motivate their relative, and from seeing care coordinators and support workers trying to encourage service users to live a more healthy lifestyle. Carers often know what has worked for their relative while being well aware of the difficulties.

The FACTOR Network has grown to over 100 carers. We regularly disseminate information to carers as well as a FACTOR newsletter. Some people attend events and conferences, while others are actively involved in research such as the studies described above.

We are currently exploring ways to reach a wider group of carers, in particular younger carers through SCB - Supporting Carers Better, and the Institute of Psychiatry’s Mental Health Care website.

Geraldine Mason, FACTOR Coordinator