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Chapter 7168members of people with both ID and MH problems reported the need for understandable information about their relatives’ diagnosis and treatment, for help to develop skills to support their relative, and for the provision of support for themselves. 35 For caregivers from the formal network also, it is not always clear what their role is regarding the patient’s (mental) healthcare,36 and they are often mainly pedagogically trained with limited knowledge and skills regarding (mental) health problems. In my personal contacts with practitioners and professional carers, I have noticed that GPs sometimes overestimate the knowledge and skills of the individuals in the formal network, leading to miscommunication and inappropriate expectations on both sides. Although it is relevant for practitioners to pay attention to the capacity and knowledge of the network, it is also up to the individuals in the formal network to acquire sufficient training and peer supervision to support people with both MID and MH problems, and to communicate with the GP about what they can or cannot contribute.The aforementioned UK guidelines include attention on support and interventions aimed specifically at the needs of persons in the network in order to ensure that patients with both MID and MH problems are supported adequately and sustainably. 31 Previous research in the Dutch setting has provided insight into actions and organizational factors that facilitate health information transfer and the role that the network can play in this.37 However, it would be useful to gain additional insight into the specific needs of both the network and the practitioners regarding collaboration in care and support for patients with MID and MH problems. This information could also contribute to the further development of NHG guidelines and (interprofessional) training programmes for the network and practitioners, ensuring a better alignment with their needs.When there is no adequate support network available, and it is deemed necessary, Dutch practitioners can refer to the municipalities where, through the Social Support Act (WMO), formal support can be sought for specific needs in the social domain, such as providing assistance with daily activities, addressing financial problems, and so on. Practitioners are not always aware of all the possibilities, partly because of local organizational Katrien Pouls sHL.indd 168 24-06-2024 16:26