Early Intervention Psychosis Service

Information for families and carers

We understand that families and carers play a vital role in recovery. With the individuals consent, we can:

Offer information and education about psychosis
Involve you in care planning
Provide emotional and practical support
Help you access carer services and other useful resources
Support you in maintaining your own wellbeing

Even if your loved one doesn’t want you involved in their care, we can still offer you general support and information.

How to manage difficult symptoms

Hallucinations & Delusions:

Avoid arguing. Acknowledge their experiences without confirming or denying it
Focus on how they feel, rather than what they believe
Speak to your keyworker about suggestions on how to respond to strange talk or beliefs.

Disorganised Behaviour or Thinking:

Keep communication simple and clear
Offer gentle prompts or support with daily tasks

Social Withdrawal or Low Motivation:

Do give the person some space but make regular contact, letting your relative know you are there if needed
Remember that he or she may need extra sleep while recovering
Ask what would be helpful
Encourage small steps rather than big goals
Offer companionship in low-pressure ways (e.g. going for a walk)
Notice the positives and praise – even small changes are a step towards recovery in the early stages.

Crisis support strategies

Recognising Early Warning Signs:

Change in sleep, speech or appetite
Withdrawing more than usual
Heightened paranoia or agitation
Talking about harming self or others

What You Can Do:

Stay calm and speak slowly, clearly and respectfully
Reduce stimulation (turn off TV, ask others to leave the room)
Reassure them that they’re safe and help is available
Make reference to the staying well/safety plan you developed with the keyworker
Please remember to seek urgent support

In a Crisis:

Contact the EIPS team, and speak with a member of our duty team if within working hours (9am-5pm Mon-Fri)
Contact out-of-hours services via NHS24 (111)
In emergencies, call 999

Your wellbeing matters too

Caring for someone with psychosis can be stressful, tiring or overwhelming. You may feel a range of emotions – that’s completely normal. It’s important to look after your own physical and mental health.

Consider:

Taking regular breaks and rest
Talking to someone you trust
Be kind to yourself. You are doing the very best you can in very difficult circumstances.
Speak with your keyworker, as EIPS have carer support available
Accessing local carer groups or helplines
Seeking your own support, including from your GP

Confidentiality and consent

We will always respect the privacy and rights of the person we are supporting. This means there may be limits on the specific information we can share. However, we aim to be as open as possible, and we encourage open communication wherever appropriate.

Even if your loved one does not want us to share details, we can still:

Listen to your concerns
Offer general information and advice
Discuss how best to support yourself and our loved one

What hours are the team available?

The Early Intervention Psychosis Service is available 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

If you or your loved one needs support outside of these times, there are other services available:

NHS24: Call 111 (available 24/7)
Your local A&E in an emergency
Emergency Services: Call 999 if there is an immediate risk to life or safety
Breathing Space: Call 0800 83 85 87 (Mon-Thu 6pm – 2am, Friday 6pm – Mon 6am)

Getting in Touch

You can contact us at:

Early Intervention Psychosis Service

37 Lister Street, Crosshouse Hospital

Kilmarnock Road, Kilmarnock, KA2 0BE

Phone: 01563 826185

Your voice matters

We want your experience of the service to be positive. The EIPS welcome your feedback and want you to be involved in shaping your loved ones care. Let us know what’s working well, as well as areas that could be improved – we look forward to hearing your views!

If you want to make further comment, suggestion or complaint you can talk to the people directly involved in your care.

You can also contact the mental health services engagement officer at mentalhealthengagement@north-ayrshire.gov.uk to share your views or find out more about adult mental health services engagement and participation.

Useful Resources and Helplines

Here are some organisations that can offer additional support and information.

Change Mental Health – Carer Support Services

Website: www.changemh.org/carer-support/

Helpline: 0808 8010 515 (Mon – Fri 10am- 4pm)

Carers Trust Scotland

Website: www.carers.org

Phone: 0300 772 7701

Young Minds – Parent Helpline

Website: www.youngminds.org.uk

Helpline: 0808 802 5544 Mon – Friday 9:30am – 4pm)

Samaritans – 24/7 support