To support the fundamental themes of the SPHERE Project, a range of educational resources and products have been developed to assist those in the community who are affected by or come in contact with mental health issues in their lives.

All SPHERE educational resources and products are approved mental health training resources for general practitioners and are also particularly useful for patients and carers in providing them with the appropriate knowledge and tools to understand and manage depression, anxiety and somatic distress (physical pain).

These resources provide information on diagnoses, the meaning of specific symptoms, what is known about the causes, effects and implications of the illness. Family and friends play an integral part in understanding the varying aspects of behaviour that is associated with a mental illness. It is important that family and friends are educated about the illness and have access to information on the range of treatment and management strategies available to patients.

It is important for family and friends to have access to mental health education, resources and tools in order to assist with the recovery of these patients. Evidence has provided support for a range of benefits including:

• Improved knowledge of the illness
• Improved relationships
• Improved knowledge of how to deal with common problems caused by the illness
• Reduced relapse
• Less time in hospital
• Decreased sense of stigma surrounding the illness
• Increased sense of control over life
• Fewer symptoms
• Fewer conflicts about drug and non-drug treatment
• Less isolation
• Improved involvement in family life and social activities
• Better employment opportunities
• Less depression and anxiety