Shine Carers Support Group - Blackrock Branch
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SHINE BLACKROCK CARERS GROUP

Synopsis of General Meeting held on Monday 12th August 2019 @ 8pm

Despite the holiday season, we had a good turnout with a number of new faces in the room. It was an informative session and the principal matters discussed were:

  • As per usual, members were advised that conversations at the meeting should remain confidential.
  • Much of the meeting was devoted to the experiences and issues of members in dealing with their family "service users".
  • It was noted that the lack of insight by a service user as to his/her condition made efforts towards stabilisation more difficult and when a service user had this insight, meaningful progress towards normal living could be achieved.
  • A member said that having his son's medicines moved from pill form to injection had helped to ensure that medicine intake was better monitored.
  • It was noted that members needed to have (if possible) "red lines" in respect of certain issues such as violence. A member advised of calling in Gardai after an act of violence by his son which had been effective in ensuring no repeat. Another member spoke of getting a barring order against her sister. During the course of this discussion, it was noted that the family of a service user should not forget to look after themselves properly.
  • The meeting felt that treating a service user through the Public Health system was a better option by far than going private. Rachel Hughes, the area Shine rep, was in attendance and said that the availability of the Mental Health Community Service including a Family Liaison person was a particular asset (this Family Liaison person availability is rarely advised to the family of a service user).
  • Members outside Dublin can get the name of their local Shine rep from the Shine website or, failing that, from Rachel.
  • Rachel once again advised of the availability of (free) counseling for a service user or for a family member or service user through the Shine network. She can be contacted on 086 014 2112 to arrange this if requested. Normally, an appointment can be made within 14 days.
  • Rachel referred to a group of counsellors and psychotherapists (Mymind.org) who operate in Rathmines.
  • Our next meeting will be on the Monday 2nd September at the Centre for Living, Carysfort Avenue.

 
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Support group for carers of people affected by mental ill health