Direct Payments

There are charities that provide "befrienders" who for no charge will visit people who are ill to provide company or take them out. This is one way of getting more help.

There is also an act called the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996.

This came into force to empower people to help them obtain the help they need in their own homes. Social services pay a monthly amount to the sufferer so that the sufferer can employ their own helpers to help with cleaning, go to the shops etc etc.

The idea is to prevent people having to be sectioned or admitted to hospital or into homes because they need help to look after themselves.

Years ago I managed to get a befriender for my wife via her cpn and later when the scheme was introduced we were able to employ helpers who have visited for over 5 years now who take her out and about.

If you are under a mental health team and have a therapist or cpn, it maybe worth enquiring if the scheme is in your area and if you would qualify for extra support.

If not, check to see if there are any charities in your area who offer a befriending scheme and with these schemes, you'd get help no matter how little or bad your issues affect you.