Involving carers in mental health service development.

Objective: A project designed to enhance carer participation in a mental health service is described.

Method: Carers of people with a mental illness were involved in reviewing and developing policies, and developing a carer rights and responsibilities booklet.

Results: Policies relevant to carers of people with a mental illness were reviewed and updated, and new policies developed to cover existing gaps. Carer and staff awareness of policies was increased. A carer rights and responsibilities booklet was developed.

Conclusions: Involving carers at this level of service development enhances carer awareness and understanding of the processes involved in a mental health service, and improves staff understanding of carer issues and viewpoints. This process is valuable for mental health services, resulting in positive outcomes.