Health and social care providers have traditionally worked with clients in isolation from their families, despite family relationships being widely recognised as integral to sustaining long term behavioural change. More services are now investing in developing Family Coaches, who provide families and significant others with the knowledge and support required to handle the realities of having a loved one who is suffering from a mental health problem, substance misuse or behavioural addiction.
Family Coaches can play a crucial role in decreasing re-presentation rates by providing services with a team of individuals who are passionate about ensuring service users are properly supported by their families, and therefore less likely to relapse due to isolation and lack of support.
