The demand for the course was based on the recognition that carers for people with a mental illness play an extremely important role in helping the recovery process of the person who is unwell. Carers also have their own needs, which not infrequently they overlook.  The Development of the crucial role of Carer Advocate by a local, non-profit, organisation and registered charity CAUSE (Carers and Users Support Enterprise) was in direct response to meeting the needs of carers. CAUSE currently has Carer Advocates based in most trusts throughout Northern Ireland. The organisation CAUSE is financially supported by individual trusts and a number of other funders. The funding for this course has been made possible by a generous donation from the Tughan Trust.

The Certificate for Carer Advocates (all of who are carers of a family member/close friend) will build on the current capacity of the Carer Advocates by developing their knowledge and skills, specifically in the psychosocial model; thus enabling the Carer Advocates in their role to more effectively inform, support and advocate on behalf of carers. The ethos of the certificate reflects strongly the principles of the Thorn, psychosocial, philosophy that has now become the model around which training for all mental health professionals working with people with a severe mental illness is based.

The Certificate for Carer Advocates is made up of the following three modules:

While the course is initially targeted at Carer Advocates working in mental health, the philosophy and principles as well as the content and skills are appropriate to all areas of health care. This course offers patients and carers a model that is holistic, person-centred, family based, emancipatory, and inclusive. It is our hope that other organisations will respond with enthusiasm and interest by applying for this new and exciting learning and teaching opportunity.