Caring for a loved one at the end of life is often described as an act of compassion and dedication. But for some carers, this role comes with a hidden and deeply challenging reality, experiencing domestic abuse from the very person they are supporting.
A new research project led by the University of Southampton is shining a light on this often overlooked issue. The study aims to understand what it is like to experience domestic abuse in a caring relationship, particularly when the person receiving care is seriously ill or nearing the end of life. It also seeks to explore what kinds of support carers need, and how health and social care services can respond more effectively.
This project brings together carers, professionals, and experts to share experiences and co-design practical guidance that could improve support systems and overall wellbeing for carers. By listening directly to those affected, researchers hope to create meaningful change in how services identify and respond to abuse in caregiving situations .
If you are a carer who has experienced domestic abuse or a professional working in health or social care, your insights could make a real difference. Taking part in the study is an opportunity to help shape better support for others facing similar challenges.
To learn more or get involved, you can contact the research team at ceda@soton.ac.uk or call 023 8059 7581.
Your voice matters. By sharing your experience, you can help build safer, more supportive care environments for everyone.
April is Stress Awareness Month 2026 in the UK, and this year’s theme is #BeTheChange – Small Actions, Big Impact. In the video below, Matthew McKenzie, carer activist, shares practical stress management tips specifically for unpaid carers who are supporting loved ones while managing their own wellbeing.
Learn how small, consistent actions can reduce stress, improve mental health, and make a real difference in your daily life. I also highlight trusted organisations that provide resources and support for carers.
Whether you’re an unpaid carer, a family member, or someone interested in improving mental health awareness, this video provides easy-to-implement strategies and guidance to help you manage stress effectively.
Stories are powerful. They carry memory, experience, and truth in ways that forms and systems often cannot. For unpaid minority carers, our stories are not just reflections, they are essential to understanding the full picture of care.
I’ve recently shared a poem, “Our Stories Matter,” from my upcoming poetry book. It explores the importance of lived experience, intergenerational memory, and the voices that are too often overlooked within health and social care systems.
While assessments, care plans, and clinical notes tell part of the story, they rarely capture the depth of what families and carers experience every day. Our stories provide context. They bring meaning and complete the picture.
This is especially important within the context of PCREF, where recognising lived experience and cultural understanding is key to improving care and addressing inequalities. When carers’ voices are not heard, something vital is missing.
This poem is a reminder that our stories are central.
Taking time for yourself as a carer isn’t always easy. The daily responsibilities, emotional demands, and constant care for others can often mean your own wellbeing takes a back seat. That’s why initiatives like Carers Active Together matter more than ever.
This Wednesday 15 April, a national day of action is bringing carers across the UK together to focus on movement, wellbeing, and community and you’re invited to be part of it.
A simple step that makes a difference
As part of the day, Carers UK is hosting a free, friendly wellbeing walk in Hyde Park, which is a chance to pause, breathe, and connect with others who understand the caring journey.
Whether you’re caring for a loved one full-time or supporting someone alongside work and life commitments, this walk is designed to be inclusive, relaxed, and welcoming. There’s no pressure, just an opportunity to enjoy fresh air, gentle movement, and good company.
Event details
Date: Wednesday 15 April
Time: 11:00am
Location: Meet at Serpentine Bar and Kitchen, Hyde Park
Cost: Free
As highlighted on the event flyer (page 1), the walk is all about giving carers a chance to “get some fresh air, connect with your community, and enjoy a supportive stroll with local carers.”
Why join the walk?
Sometimes the smallest actions like a walk in the park can have the biggest impact. Taking part in this event can help you:
Boost your physical and mental wellbeing
Meet other carers and share experiences
Feel part of a supportive community
Take a well-deserved break in a beautiful setting
You’re not alone
Carers play an essential role in our communities, often quietly and without recognition. Carers Active Together is a reminder that your wellbeing matters too and that support is out there.
If you know someone who is a carer, consider sharing this with them. A simple invitation could make a meaningful difference.
Register your place
Spaces are free, but registration is encouraged. You can sign up here: 👉 https://bit.ly/4uEXwJO
Recently, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the West Kent Paddock Wood Group, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the experience, not just as a speaker, but as a mental health carer among peers who truly understand the journey.
The session took place at Unit 1 Eastlands, Maidstone Road in Paddock Wood, a welcoming and accessible venue that immediately set the tone for openness and support. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this was a safe space. The event was hosted by Naomi Muigua who is the Social Care Involvement Officer.
The structure of the morning was thoughtfully organised, with time for introductions, discussion, and shared learning, all underpinned by respect, confidentiality, and equality among attendees .
A Community that works to understand carers
What stood out to me most was the diversity of lived experience in the room. Carers supporting loved ones with dementia, autism, and complex health needs came together, each bringing their own story, challenges, and resilience. It reinforced something I’ve long believed: carers often feel invisible in wider society, but in spaces like this, they are seen, heard, and valued.
The group is supported by organisations and professionals who are genuinely committed to reducing isolation and improving access to services. From digital inclusion to transport and community support, there’s a real effort to make sure carers are not left navigating the system alone
Sharing My Journey as a Mental Health Carer
As the invited speaker, I spoke from my own lived experience as a mental health carer. My journey began as a young carer supporting my mother, who developed schizophrenia, while also helping care for my brothers with non-verbal autism. Over the years, that experience has shaped not only my life, but my purpose.
During my talk, I shared:
The emotional reality of becoming a carer—often suddenly, without preparation
The confusion and isolation that can come with navigating mental health systems
The importance of recognising carers as partners in care, not just bystanders
The long-term impact on mental health, identity, and wellbeing
I also spoke about the concept of “lived experience”—something I feel strongly should be embedded in health and social care systems. If professionals are to truly understand and support carers, they need to hear directly from those who live it every day.
One of the key messages I left with the group was this: Carers are the hidden link that holds everything together. Without them, the system simply could not function.
This was taken from my poem off my book.
The Conversations of the group
What made the session particularly powerful wasn’t just the presentation, it was the discussion that followed. Carers openly spoke about:
Not knowing where to go for help
The complexity of accessing services
Feeling that outcomes often depend on how well you can advocate
The emotional toll of long-term caring
These are not small issues, they are systemic challenges. But spaces like this group allow those conversations to happen honestly, and more importantly, collectively.
Why Groups Like This Matter
The West Kent Paddock Wood Group is actually a lifeline to carers as it provides:
A supportive peer network
Access to information and local services
A platform for carers’ voices to be heard
A sense of belonging that many carers lack
For anyone who is caring for a loved one, especially in mental health, I cannot stress enough how important it is to connect with others who understand. You don’t have to do this alone.
Final Thoughts
Leaving the session, I felt both humbled and encouraged. Humbled by the strength of the carers in the room, and encouraged by the existence of a group that is actively working to support them.
If you are a carer in Kent, or even just exploring what support is available, I would strongly recommend attending the West Kent Paddock Wood Group. It is a space where your voice matters, your experience is valid, and your wellbeing is recognised.
For me, it was not just an opportunity to speak, it was an opportunity to connect, learn, and continue advocating for carers everywhere.
If you want to find out more about Kent County Council support for unpaid carers, see link below.
Caring for someone experiencing mental health difficulties can be challenging, emotional, and at times overwhelming. For many people from minority communities, these experiences can be shaped by additional barriers , including stigma, cultural expectations, language differences, and unequal access to support.
Researchers at University College London (UCL) are carrying out a study to better understand what it’s like for family members, friends, and carers when someone close to them is assessed or detained under the Mental Health Act. They are particularly interested in hearing from people whose voices are often underrepresented in research.
The reason this research matters
People from minority ethnic and cultural backgrounds are more likely to be detained under the Mental Health Act, yet the perspectives of their families and carers are often missing from research and policy discussions.
Your experiences can help:
Improve how services support families during difficult times
Highlight cultural and community-specific needs
Inform fairer and more inclusive mental health policies
By sharing your story, you can help shape better support for others going through similar situations.
Who can take part?
You may be able to take part if:
You are aged 16 or over
You have supported someone who was assessed or detained under the Mental Health Act
This could be as a “nearest relative” or simply as a family member, friend, or carer
The study welcomes participants from all backgrounds and is especially keen to hear from people in minority communities.
What does taking part involve?
Taking part means:
A one-to-one interview (online via Microsoft Teams or in person)
Talking about your experiences supporting someone during detention
The interview lasts around one hour
As a thank you, you will receive a £30 voucher.
Your voice is important
We know these experiences can be deeply personal. You are in control of what you choose to share, and all information will be handled confidentially.
Whether your experience was recent or some time ago, your perspective can make a real difference.
Interested in taking part or learning more?
If you would like more information or are thinking about taking part, you can contact the research team at:
Supporting someone through mental health detention is not something anyone should feel they have to navigate alone. By contributing to this research, you can help ensure that the realities faced by minority carers are better understood and better supported in the future.
To mark World Bipolar Day 2026, I’ve created a short video highlighting the reality of living with bipolar and the vital role of unpaid carers, friends, and family. Awareness is important, but understanding and everyday support matter just as much.
In this video, I share reflections as a mental health carer and activist, focusing on the human side of bipolar and the people who often support quietly in the background. 👉 Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnn0tfLs2z8
World Bipolar Day is supported globally by organisations including:
In the UK, Bipolar UK (https://www.bipolaruk.org) provides vital peer support for people affected by bipolar, including carers. Carer organisations also play a crucial role in supporting unpaid carers:
If you’ve supported someone through a stay in mental health services, your experience could help improve care for others.
Researchers at The University of Manchester are inviting people with lived experience—including carers to take part in an online workshop focused on improving how mental health services support people during hospital discharge, particularly for individuals from Black heritage communities.
Reason for research
Evidence shows that people from Black communities often face poorer outcomes in mental health care, including barriers to access and challenges during discharge from hospital.
To address this, researchers are working to make future services and research more inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in real experiences. Hearing directly from carers is a key part of that work .
Who is running this?
The workshop is being led by Dr Natasha Tyler, a Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, as part of work linked to improving future research and care approaches.
The session will also be supported by facilitators with lived experience, including carers, to ensure discussions are grounded and meaningful .
Who can take part?
You may be interested if you:
Have cared for someone who has been an inpatient in adult mental health services
Have experience of discharge from mental health care
Want to share your perspective to improve future support
What’s involved?
Format: Online (MS Teams)
Duration: 2 hours
Dates: Sessions planned between 23rd April and 8th May 2026
Payment: £60 as a thank-you for your time
Participants will receive questions in advance to help prepare for the discussion.
Why get involved?
Taking part is a chance to:
Help shape future mental health research and services
Ensure carers’ voices are included in decision-making
Contribute to reducing inequalities in care
Share your experience in a supportive environment
How to express interest
If you’d like to take part, you can follow the link in the invitation to share your availability or contact the research team directly.
The poem is a spoken word piece from my upcoming poetry collection Unpaid, Unseen and Yet Unbroken (launching 2026).
This poem centres the lived experiences of ethnic and minority mental health carers, where they continue to show up, often without recognition, navigating systems that can feel complex and unresponsive.
The poem focuses on the quiet strength, shared knowledge, and collective care that exist within our communities.
In the spirit of PCREF, this work highlights the importance of listening to lived experience, valuing cultural understanding, and recognising community as a source of resilience and healing
Caring for someone with multiple long-term health conditions can be both rewarding and challenging. More people than ever are living with conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis, or hypertension and these health challenges often affect minoritised ethnic communities disproportionately.
King’s College London is running the INTERCEPTION study to better understand the experiences of carers like you and the people you support. The goal is to improve how community leaders, healthcare professionals, and policymakers perceive and support those living with multiple conditions.
Your Voice Matters
Your experiences as a carer provide invaluable insights into what works, what could be better, and what support is most needed. By sharing your story, you help shape the future of care for people in similar situations, both locally and nationally.
Who Can Take Part
You can join the study if you:
Are 18 years old or above
Live in Coventry, London, or Manchester
Care for someone with two or more long-term physical or mental health conditions
Can communicate in English for an interview
What Participation Involves
The study involves a one-to-one interview lasting 60–90 minutes at a time and place that suits you. Everything you share will be kept confidential. As a thank you for your time, participants receive a £25 voucher.
How to Get Involved
To learn more or sign up, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit this link . If you have any questions, you can contact the research team, Dr Brenda Hayanga and Dr Sujith Prankumar, at interception@kcl.ac.uk.
Your experiences truly matter. By participating, you help researchers understand what carers need and influence better care for minoritised ethnic communities living with multiple long-term conditions.
A Caring Mind 