FOI 2026/1682

I am requesting information under the Freedom of Information Act, regarding commissioned support for carers and other household members of service users of specialist mental health services. Specifically, I would like information on the following:

1. What commissioned support is in place to ensure that carers and family members living with a service user of specialist mental health services do not experience deterioration in their own mental health as a result of the service user’s behaviour, or due to perceived lack of support or deterioration in the service user’s condition?

2. What commissioned support is available when a service user’s mental health problems, or the perceived lack of adequate care, create a high-stress home environment, or when behaviours reach the threshold of domestic abuse

3. What support is in place for children or other household members who are not identified as primary carers, including those whose mental health may be deteriorating as a result of the household environment?

4. What services or interventions are commissioned to respond to stress-related crises among carers or other household members living with a service user of specialist mental health services?

Please provide details of the types of services, eligibility criteria, and any commissioned organisations or programmes delivering this support.

1. NHS Greater Manchester (NHS GM) commission open access support via a range of apps, digital offers and phoneline support, to support emotional and mental health and wellbeing.

Kooth and Qwell offer a range of support via an online portal. Kooth is a free, safe, and anonymous online platform where young people can access mental health support whenever they need it.

Kooth 10- 25yrs

is available to anyone between the ages of 10-25. Offering 1-2-1 support via chat messaging. Users can chat with trained counsellors and emotional wellbeing practitioners. There is also a range of activities on the platform designed to help manage stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. The platform hosts a library of articles written by both professionals and peers. These articles cover a wide range of topics relevant to young people’s mental health and wellbeing. Kooth offers tools such as journaling and goal setting to help users track their progress and manage their mental health more effectively.

Qwell 18+

On Qwell, you can speak to an experienced professional about anything that’s troubling you, while staying totally anonymous.  Support can be via messaging or chats in real time. There is also a range of articles covering a range of themes. Covering everything from anxiety to relationship issues, Qwell articles are designed to provide practical tips, information and advice on all thing’s mental wellbeing. There is also journaling opportunities and Pod casts and self-help techniques

We commission a range of Apps to support, mental health and wellbeing. Free open access online wellbeing programmes

SilverCloud – aged 16 years+

Online programmes to help ease levels of stress, sleep better or to build resilience. They are self-help, confidential and secure. Instant access to self-help support: SilverCloud – Mental Health

Living Life To The Full

Online courses for anyone affected by low mood, anxiety or depression. Materials have been designed to improve feelings and beat stress. Available online and totally free of charge. Instant access to self-help support:  NHS Stay Well – Leaflet ADULT.indd

2. NHS GM commission Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust and Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust to deliver our Child and adolescent mental health provision. Supporting children and young people who are experiencing moderate to severe mental health issues.

https://www.penninecare.nhs.uk/children-and-young-people-crisis-service

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/child-and-adolescent/

https://mft.nhs.uk/camhs/

3. Greater Manchester provides a comprehensive network of mental health services for children and adolescents combining NHS CAMHS as above, crisis intervention, community programmes delivered by VCSE partners for moderate mental health presentations. We also have mental health support teams in schools as well as a range of online resources. Families and young people can access help for a wide range of mental health issues with services tailored to individual needs delivered in multiple settings to ensure accessibility and timely support.
4. Each of the mental health providers across Greater Manchester offers support to Carers and parents this can be accessed via their websites. For GM CAMHS inpatient facilities also provide Family Ambassadors to support families whilst their child is an inpatient. If a crisis occurs, we have a range of Crisis Lines in Greater Manchester. If people feel they need mental health support, they can contact one of these 24/7 crisis lines – they’re available to anyone of any age.

• Bolton, Manchester, Salford and Trafford – 0800 953 0285 (freephone)
• Bury, Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport and Tameside & Glossop – 0800 014 9995 (freephone)
• Wigan – 0800 051 3253 (freephone)
• Shout – all ages With this 24/7 crisis text messaging service you can send a text message any time of day or night wherever you are – every conversation is with a real person.
• For confidential suicide prevention advice contact HOPELINEUK. They’re open 9am–12am (midnight) every day of the year. Telephone: 0800 068 4141 Email: pat@papyrus-uk
• There is also an Urgent Crisis Team: 24/7 support for mental health emergencies is available through local CAMHS or by calling NHS 111.