Psychosis HIT hosts event focused on family and network support

In March 2026, Bristol Health Partners’ Psychosis HIT hosted a discussion about psychosis, focussing on families and network. The event was held at the YHA on Bristol Harbourside and was attended by 26 people.

Kate Bird, Clinical Psychologist and Academic Lead for Family Interventions in Psychosis & Bipolar Experiences at the University of Exeter, introduced and emphasised the importance of a systemic approach to the treatment of psychosis involving those caring for and supporting the individual living with psychosis (often family members).

Rob Moore, Systemic Family Psychotherapist at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust (AWP), talked about current services within AWP for family work with psychosis. Family interventions offered to some families of people with psychosis include education about the condition, communication styles and patterns, stress management strategies and practical skills such as problem-solving. This enables families to explore difficult thoughts and emotions safely, understand each other’s experiences, views and needs, and build on family strengths. Rob also spoke enthusiastically about The Lily Pad – a new, peaceful family therapy space at Bath City Farm.

The majority of the evening was spent listening to the experiences of four carers, all caring for loved ones living with psychosis. Each spoke about a different aspect of caring, and all spoke honestly and candidly about the difficulties they had experienced. The panel discussion was chaired sensitively and compassionately by Dr Hanna van der Woude, Clinical Psychologist at AWP.

Carers talked about the impact of psychosis on family and friends, and shared strategies that worked for them, for example being able to share caring responsibilities amongst different family members.

They discussed what carers, family members and friends might need to be able to support a service user, and the importance of support for the carer as well as their loved one, especially when there is a reluctance (on the part of the loved one) to seeking help/support.

The importance of early intervention and a holistic approach to psychosis was stressed as essential, both for the family and for the individual living with psychosis. Early intervention is key to avoiding serious illness.

Finally, the carers talked about experiences of working with services, which were not always positive. Comparison was made to the cancer treatment pathway, from which patients are never discharged. Relapse/recurrence is common within mental health just as it is in physical health – yet mental health patients are discharged once considered to be “well enough”.

The evening concluded with a short Q&A session with the panel members and other speakers.

Feedback for the event was very positive, and included comments from attendees such as:

“The lived experience in the room was so powerful and rooted the event”

“Makes me want to improve work with carers in our practice”

“Good to know you’re not alone and hear the different experience”

“Thanks to carers panel – they made this event”

“I’m in awe of the quiet heroism in evidence this evening. Thank you for being so open and brave”