Ask the care team what is offered to family and friends
NICE says families who live with or are in close contact with a person with psychosis or schizophrenia should be offered family intervention. It also recommends education and support for carers.
Ask the care coordinator, Early Intervention in Psychosis team or psychiatrist what is available locally and whether there is a family worker or carers' lead.
Source: NICE
Independent advice and peer support
Rethink Mental Illness
Its Carers Hub covers services, confidentiality, rights and day-to-day support. Its group finder includes groups for families and friends in some areas.
Open the Carers HubHearing Voices Network
Its group directory includes some groups for family, friends and supporters. Check each group's description before attending.
Find a groupHere for Someone community directory
Find broader UK forums and condition-specific groups without having to identify as a carer.
Browse communitiesSources: Rethink Mental Illness and Hearing Voices Network
Set limits before resentment takes over
Rethink advises agreeing boundaries and supporting independence. Decide which tasks you can do, what must be shared and what situations will move responsibility to professionals.
Taking a break is not the same as abandoning someone. If you are the only contact, ask services and other trusted people how the load can be shared.
Source: Rethink Mental Illness
If you need someone to listen today
Samaritans listens to anything that is troubling you. You do not have to be suicidal to call 116 123; it is free and open 24 hours a day.
Source: Samaritans
Here for Someone is an independent information project. It is not a helpline or medical service. This page organises public guidance from the organisations linked beside the relevant information; it has not been clinically reviewed by Here for Someone.
Sources checked: 26 August 2026
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