Multimedia

Mental Health Nursing,  May 2004  by Libberton, Paula

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www.rethinkcarers. org

I was particularly impressed by the appearance of this website when I logged on with its colourful cork board and attached notices. I found it very inviting which encouraged me to explore it with curiosity and hope.

I liked the fact that you could change the text size at the push of a button and create print friendly pages just as easily. It states from the outset that the website was designed with carer involvement and builds on the many Rethink groups and services around the country.

It has two main aims: to provide reliable, road-tested information using the experiences of carers; and to provide a virtual community where carers can exchange experiences and keep in touch with the latest developments. This is achieved by its simple site structure which allows you to move easily around the different areas which include: news and events; helpful hints; your experiences; discussion forums; and information resources.

Although the site is clearly in its infancy with only a few helpful hints and forum contributions, I was impressed with the information resources which seem to grow the deeper you dig. A good example is the PDF Only the best - medication for the treatment of psychosis, the pack'. I assume that as time goes by more information will be added and the site will excel.

Overall, I think that this is a worthwhile website not only to recommend to carers buts to clinicians and students alike. I think the forum will in time provide a wealth of information that will not only help carers support each other but will allow clinicians to know what carers do and do not want.

Paula Libberton

Copyright Community Psychiatric Nurses Association May 2004
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