The Assert programme

Not feeling in charge of one's own destiny is a well-documented cause of depression and ill-health. Unpaid family caregivers are usually coping with situations they didn't invite in. Through having to defer their needs to those of another long-term they may lose their own identity and feel disempowered.

As carers ourselves we have used our specialised skills and insights from our own and other carers' experiences to develop the Advocare Assert Programme for carers and former carers. By sharing their experiences in a safe setting individuals can get back in touch with who they are and bring about a long-lasting change in their outlook.

For example, after taking part in an Assert Programme:

• Ruby no longer feels trapped in her caring role;
• Tom no longer feels isolated;
• Maud is now dealing with aspects of her life that had been depressing her;
• John no longer feels 'stuck' and has 'moved on'.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" (Benjamin Franklin 1706-1790)

In safeguarding the emotional and psychological wellbeing of carers, the Assert programme helps to prevent carers from becoming patients themselves.

If you would like to find out more about how the Advocare Assert programme could help you, please contact Cathey on (01202) 737592.