A carer can be any person - a friend, family member, young person or partner - who provides ongoing support to another person who needs it. This care could be provided because the person has a disability, a medical condition, a mental illness or are frail and aged.
The Mental Health Act 2007 sets out the rights and importance of involving carers in a person’s mental health treatment and recovery. This includes nominating two designated carers for a person with mental illness. If you are nominated as a designated carer, staff can talk to you about what information can be shared with you.
For information about your rights as a carer under NSW mental health law, click here. More useful information about being a carer can be found here.