Empowering Unpaid Carers through Help4Helpers: A Community-Driven Support Initiative
The National Lottery has provided support to AJEEH for the development and implementation of the Help4Helpers project. This initiative is designed to support unpaid family carers and helpers who assist individuals with complex mental health issues. The project aims to tackle the emotional challenges of caregiving, such as burnout and compassion fatigue, by offering a range of services including advanced safeguarding workshops, peer support groups, and personalized mentoring with clinical experts. Additionally, the initiative seeks to equip carers with skills and strategies to maintain healthy boundaries and empathy, thereby ensuring sustainable support for both the carers and those they help.
Help4Helpers aligns with the National Lottery's funding priorities by addressing the mental health and well-being of caregivers. By providing education on maintaining boundaries, fostering healthy empathy, and avoiding enabling behaviors, the project aims to prevent the adverse effects of caregiving. The project also focuses on personal development, helping carers to leverage their experience for professional growth and self-improvement. The inclusive nature of the support groups and celebratory events fosters a sense of community among caregivers from diverse backgrounds, breaking down barriers and promoting inclusivity.
The community involvement in Help4Helpers is evident from the project's user-led approach. Initiated from a community forum attended by over 40 participants, the project was shaped by the feedback and needs of unpaid carers and volunteers. A steering committee, formed by forum attendees and mentored by an AJEEH therapist, spearheaded the project’s development. A widely circulated survey garnered significant support for the initiative, highlighting its relevance and necessity. While AJEEH provides hosting and supervision to ensure safeguarding and clinical best practices, the project remains primarily driven by the unpaid helpers it aims to support.
Contacts
Email
info@ajeeh.org
Subscribe to our newsletter
Organisation Details
AJEEH Limited
A company limited by guarantee, Company number 12627509