Carers of people from LGBTQ communities interactions with mental health service providers: Conflict and safety

This exploratory study examines the experiences of informal/family carers of people from LGBTQ communities living with mental illness, or experiencing a mental health crisis, in relation to conflict and safety in their interactions with mental health service providers. Carers were surveyed to gain an understanding of their experiences of services. The data were analysed according to the six main originating domains in the Safewards model where conflict may arise as well as the nature of the activity in the domain with the addition of new categories of 'carer characteristics' and 'carer modifiers'. The study findings identified the main domains where conflict occurred, as well as modifications to activities undertaken by staff, consumers, and carers that reduced tensions and misunderstandings. Carer responses revealed the interplay between the Safewards domains and activities and the location of much of what was considered conflict with staff reflecting the regulatory environment services were provided in. This study highlights distinctive carer characteristics and the important conflict modifying role of carers. The findings suggest that the expansion of the Safewards model to include carers may be beneficial.