Kingston Mental Health Carers' Forum

Who we are

Some eighteen years ago, in Kingston, there were several small groups of Mental Health Carers where people could meet to share their experiences. Each group had its own individual style and purpose. However, many came to realise that it would be best to have one organisation to pool knowledge and have a strong voice to negotiate better services for Carers. So, in 2001, Kingston Mental Health Carers’ Forum began in a small way. Now, as a registered charity (No: 1112499) since 2005, the Forum is run by Carers and is dedicated to the needs of us all. We have no paid staff, all work being carried out by volunteers.

Members of KMHCF have been appointed to various decision-making committees where it is acknowledged as the corporate representative of mental health carers. The term ‘Carer’, is now recognised to include family, friends and neighbours; anyone, unpaid, who significantly contributes to the welfare of another.

We, as Carers ourselves, know what it’s like to support someone with mental health problems and we use our experience to:
• Offer advice and information
• Promote carers’ views and needs so that local services recognise our crucial role and get better at supporting us. We believe that adequate support and understanding of Carers’ needs will contribute to their wellbeing and, in turn, to that of those they care for.

Our culture and values

We believe that those with lived experience are best placed to empathise with those giving unpaid care to someone experiencing Mental Health difficulties.

All our personnel are volunteers.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

We openly engage with all, both personnel and members.