Rethink Mental Illness have just produced some guides for friends and relatives of people with mental health problems going through the criminal justice system. These guides are designed to support friends and relatives who want to support a loved one but often dont know or understand the system and may feel helpless. In response to these needs the guides available cover each of the following stages of the system:

• Arrest
• Court
• Prison
• Secure Hospital
• Coming home

These new guides are designed to give the relatives or friends reassurance that they are not alone, answer common questions and build their confidence to support their loved ones or friends. Each guide also contains a directory of useful contacts for further information,advice and support.

These guides can be downloaded for free by clicking here or contact the Rethink Mental Illness general enquiries team on 0300 5000 927.