Family and friends’ experiences supporting people with mental health challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic within Australia

 

 

The National Mental Health Consumer and Carer Forum, has asked SWITCH Research Group, Monash University to prepare a report for the National Mental Health Commission to understand the experiences and the needs of family, friends, carers and supporters during COVID-19, within Australia. It is hoped the report will influence policy and practices to assist family, carers, kin and supporters of people with mental health challenges.

We are seeking participants who have been family, friends, carers or supporters of people with mental health challenges, mental illness or psychological distress, during the COVID-19 pandemic to complete a survey. The survey is comprehensive to capture important aspects of a carer’s role and their experiences. It may take between 30 to 45 minutes to complete and you are able to take breaks, have a ‘cuppa’, and then return to the survey as you wish using the link and the device you started the survey on (This can be done anytime whilst the survey is open until the 13th June). You can navigate back and forwards through the survey. You can skip questions and come back to them later.

The survey will ask for information about yourself, your support role and the person you support (you can choose whether to answer all questions). You will not be able to be identified. At the end of the survey, you can choose to enter a draw for 3 vouchers of $100 to thank you for your participation.

To participate in the survey please click on this link.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Caroline Walters at caroline.walters@monash.edu or Associate Professor Melissa Petrakis at melissa.petrakis@monash.edu.

Thank you for considering participating in this study.