EMERGE Leeds: Complex Emotional Needs Service

• Do you support a friend or relative with complex emotional needs?
• Who is a carer?
• What are complex emotional needs?
• Support groups for carers

Do you support a friend or relative with complex emotional needs?

At EMERGE Leeds we recognise the important role that carers play and understand how this can affect many areas of your life. We offer dedicated support through our Andromeda Peer Support Group and Cygnus Educational Course.

Who is a carer?

A carer is anyone—a family member, friend, or loved one—who supports someone struggling with their mental health. You do not need to receive financial support or have an official role to be considered a carer.

What are complex emotional needs?

People with complex emotional needs have often had difficult life experiences in the past and developed ways of coping that cause them harm and distress. They may experience intense emotions, difficulties in relationships, and distressing thoughts and behaviours. They may have been given a diagnosis of personality disorder. We offer support to carers of people with or without a diagnosis.

If you think someone you care about may need help, speaking to their GP or a support service can be a good first step.

Support groups for carers

We offer two groups designed to support carers in Yorkshire and the Humber. If you are unsure whether these groups are right for you or have any questions, please get in touch. Contact us by emailing the EMERGE carers inbox.

Cygnus – five week educational course for carers

Cygnus is an online educational course that runs on a weekly basis for five weeks. It is led by a staff member from EMERGE Leeds and a Carer Consultant.

A Carer Consultant is someone who has first-hand experience of supporting someone with complex emotional needs.

We recommend that you attend all sessions to get the most out of the course.

The course covers:

• Understanding complex emotional needs and what a diagnosis like ‘personality disorder’ means.
• How to support someone effectively.
• Taking care of yourself.

Where? Online.
When? Contact us for upcoming dates.
How to join? Email the EMERGE carers inbox to book your place.

Andromeda – monthly peer support group

Andromeda is a monthly support group, run in partnership with Carers Leeds, where carers can:

• Connect with others who understand what it is like to support someone with complex emotional needs.
• Share experiences in a safe, supportive space.
• Get information, advice, and practical guidance.
• Focus on your own wellbeing.

Where? Our monthly meetings switch between online and in-person at Carers Leeds.
When? Every third Tuesday of the month.
How to join? Email the EMERGE carers inbox to book your place.