17 December 2025
Carers who support loved ones with mental illness can receive emotional and practical advice
from a new service set up under an innovative partnership.
Health and Care Jersey has awarded the Listening Lounge a three-year contract to work in
partnership with Dementia Jersey, Focus on Mental Illness and Jersey Eating Disorders Support
to provide support specifically for carers.
The new Carers’ Support Service aims to combine the four organisations’ expertise and
resources to ensure that every mental health carer has access to the right kind of support, at
the right time, and in a way that suits them best. This includes one-to-one and group support,
courses and education, wellbeing and social opportunities, as well as peer support, and
advocacy.
This is the first time HCJ has awarded a contract that involves several organisations working
together to provide a service. Since the new service was launched in November nearly 50 mental health carers have been supported by the four organisations.
Carers can access the new service by contacting The Listening Lounge for a holistic
assessment, following which they will be offered relevant support or signposted to the services
which will best suit them. Alternatively, carers can contact another organisation within the
partnership directly.
Lucy Nicolaou, from The Listening Lounge, said: “At The Listening Lounge, we recognise the
invaluable contribution that carers make to the wellbeing of our community. Many Islanders
provide ongoing support to friends or relatives living with a mental health difficulty, which can
bring both rewards and challenges. We wanted to be part of this partnership because we
believe that carers deserve accessible, meaningful support that recognises the importance and
complexity of their role.
“Our aim is to empower carers with knowledge, connection, and confidence so they can
continue to care while maintaining their own wellbeing.”
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Tom Binet, said: “I’m delighted that this
service, which will be a lifeline for carers, has been launched. It is a prime example of how
Health and Care Jersey, charities and the private sector can all work together to create a
seamless and integrated health service that truly meets the needs of Islanders.”
The Listening Lounge
Through the new service, The Listening Lounge will provide a range of support to those aged 18
or over who care for someone living with mental health difficulties. This includes peer support,
group support, education and social opportunities. Referrals can also be made internally to the
existing counselling service available at the Listening Lounge.
To find out more about the support available email carersupport@lv.care or phone 866793.
Dementia Jersey
With the new funding, Dementia Jersey will provide support group meetings for carers, three
times a month, as well as a quarterly meeting with a speaker. The groups provide a dedicated
time and a safe, supportive environment for carers to connect with others in a similar situation,
to share their experiences, and receive expert advice and guidance from trained dementia
advisors.
Claudine Snape, Chief Executive Officer for Dementia Jersey said: "Caring for someone with
dementia can be isolating and overwhelming. Families are often navigating significant
challenges, including memory loss, changes in behaviour, and difficulties with logical thinking
and communication.
“We're delighted to be working within this innovative partnership with other charities, with
funding from HCJ, to promote our support groups which provide a safe, environment for carers
to meet, share their experiences, hear from expert speakers, and receive practical advice from
our dementia advisors."
Anyone who would like to find out more should call 723519, email info@dementia.je or drop-in
to the Dementia Jersey Office on Halkett Place.
Focus on Mental Illness
Under the contract, Focus on Mental Illness will be able to enhance the support it provides to
carers. This support includes its Caring for the Carers course, an eight-week programme which
provide carers with a range of skills from communication to problem solving and from relapse
prevention to self-care advice.
The charity also provides a four-hour carer self-advocacy course and a confidential monthly
Carers’ Forum which runs on the first Monday of each month from 7pm to 8.30pm at the
Salvation Army.
Stephen McCrimmon, Co-Executive Director of Focus on Mental Illness, said: “We are
delighted to be part of the new carer support offer for carers of those experiencing mental
health difficulties. The opportunity to work in collaboration with other organisations and share
our skills to deliver a comprehensive support offer is something we are immensely passionate
and excited about.”
To find out more about the charity offers contact stephen@focusmi.org or phone 07797
710900.
Jersey Eating Disorders Support
The funding has enabled JEDS to set up a new course for carers who support those struggling
with food or body image. The sessions run between 6pm and 8pm at the Pomme d'Or Hotel on
the fourth Monday of every month. Participants will learn, share and find understanding with
others in similar situations.
Karen Dingle, Chief Executive Officer for JEDS, said: “Jersey Eating Disorders Support wanted to
work in partnership with other charities to open up new opportunities for the charity. JEDS will
be able to reach more people in our community, and we can share resources and skills.”
To find out more or to reserve a free place, email hello@jeds.je.
gov.je