This training pack about carer issues is for use by mental health professionals and has been compiled following the success of the College's 'Partners in Care' campaign. The training folder contains essential written information relating to carers of people with mental health problems and learning difficulties. This consists of much of the material produced for the 'Partners in Care' campaign (including several checklists for health care professionals, carers and service users; and leaflets on a range of mental health problems), plus, carers' own stories, articles from the College's journals and a preface by HRH The Princess Royal. They aim to give rise to various methods of training such as seminars, group discussions and role-play exercises. The material is divided into six modules: carers; partnerships; young carers and families; caring for specific conditions; communication; and carers in training. Each module presents learning objectives (which fall under the categories of knowledge, skills and attitudes) and it is hoped these will later be incorporated into clinical practice. There are several self-assessment sheets that relate to the learning objectives of each module. The accompanying CD-ROM contains an electronic version of all the printed material, additional related articles, plus some MS PowerPoint presentations for use by trainers. From June 2005, the Royal College of Psychiatrists made it mandatory to involve patients and carers in psychiatric training. This pack will help tutors and training programme directors ensure that carer issues are well covered in training programmes. It is aimed at both trainees in psychiatry and for the continuing professional development of those who have qualified. It should also be useful for allied professions including psychology, social work, nursing and family therapy; and for carers' organisations to help promote carer issues.
