MENTAL HEALTH
‘It is good to know
you’re not alone’
Caring for a loved one with mental health problems can
be very challenging physically as well as emotionally. But
there is a carers’ support group in Acton that aims to
lighten the load. Caroline Clancy spoke to its founder.
W
hen a member of Paulette Ranaraja’s
family was diagnosed with a mental
illness she knew nothing about it at
that point.
“I felt isolated,” said Paulette. “And caring for
someone with mental illness can be a source of
loneliness. Mental illness still carries a stigma.”
When Paulette retired as a teacher in 2004 she
decided to use her time to set up a support group
in Acton for fellow mental health carers. The group
now has around 150 members who care for people
with mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar
disorder and schizophrenia.
The group, which receives some funding from
Ealing Council, meets once a month and, usually,
has a speaker who gives a talk on mental health,
wellbeing or available services. The meetings
also provide a chance for carers to share their
experiences and offer advice to each other –
as well as an opportunity to get involved with
West London Mental Health Trust activities.
Paulette said: “I have been to hell and
back looking after my relative but got help
and wanted to give something back when I
retired. Carers need somewhere where they
talk in total confidence. With mental illness
there may be nothing visible and carers can
be left in the dark about what’s happening
with their loved ones.
26
around ealing
Autumn 2016
Paulette Ranaraja set up a support group