LAUSR

ABSTRACT Unpaid carers, in the UK, are estimated to contribute 132 billion pounds to society, often at a cost to their own physical and mental wellbeing. Therefore, various governmental directives since 1995 have focused on recognizing the significant contribution made by carers by improving their involvement in services. Carer research within mental health has focused primarily on general mental health and acute settings. Relatively little is known about the experiences and needs of carers of forensic psychiatric inpatients currently using inpatient care. This qualitative study aimed to examine the experiences of this group and ascertain their needs. Four carers took part in a focus group and two carers were interviewed individually. Thematic analysis was used and identified four themes: navigating the mental health system, impact of caring, what helps? and experience of current inpatient forensic service. Findings suggest that some improvements have occurred over the past few years in support for carers and in service provision for their loved one’s treatment. However, more improvements are urgently needed because carers continue to experience emotional burden, feeling excluded by services, and strain from their caring responsibilities. Implications for future research and guidance for service providers and policymakers are discussed.