Welcome back to another blog post from Carer activist, author and Cygnet Carer Ambassador Matthew Mckenzie.

Over the years I have been working hard to promote and engage with unpaid carers at Cygnet along with the other Cygnet Carer Ambassador Leslie, Julian and Christine. It was due time to have a relaxing break or at least a stroll around London. With Cygnet carer Lead Laura Sheridan helping to record the day, our group explored around the city

We were on our way to Cygnet’s Annual Social Work Awards 2024 hosted over at Cygnet Churchill hospital over in Lambeth.

This was going to be an excellent and inspiring event, but before we attended, we aimed to take some photos and continue to explore London.

It was not long before we arrived at Churchhill Lambeth hospital. The staff welcomed us as we talked to the social workers up for awards and we also chatted to lord Kamlesh Patel OBE about the importance of unpaid carers.

As the awards got underway, I noticed a good line of speakers who presented the about the importance of Social work and specific campaigns. This included Lord Kamlesh Patel who opened the award ceremony. The set up for the event was hybrid with online and onsite attendees from across different cygnet hospitals.

We also heard from Cygnet Deputy Director of nursing Jo-Ann McAuliffe. Next to speak was Cygnet strategic lead for mental health & prisons Christina Cheney. Christina spoke about the state of the nation when it comes to mental health and social work.

We then heard from Paula Tappenden who is Cygnets Head of Social Work and Safeguarding. Paula spoke about the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation and her mission to make a difference in ending human trafficking and how Cygnet Social workers could support.

After Lunch and socialising. We got to view the Cygnet Social Work Award ceremony for the following categories

• Social Work Assistant of the Year
• Social Worker of the year
• Leadership in Social work

Well done for all who were nominated and also the winners. All who took part set an example to social workers at the organisation.

After the award ceremony I spoke as a Cygnet Carer network ambassador on the importance of engaging with carers especially using the “Triangle of Care” method and empowerment of lived experience

We had lots of audience engagement, plus support from my fellow Cygnet Carer ambassadors giving their view of carer acknowledgement and empowerment.

Up next to speak was Chloe Cooper-Brown who is Cygnet’s Head of Social Work and Safeguarding Lead on sharing the Risk with discharges and joint working with the Police. Last to speak before our group headed off was hearing from Euan Atkinson who presented on his lived experience at Cygnet.

• Socialising day out

Our group of Cygnet carer network ambassadors continued to have a day out as we headed to Waterloo and examined some street art and talked relax at some cafes at Waterloo.

It is important that Cygnet not only help heal the community, but empower the community as we spoke to carer activist Ionie on how Cygnet can help carers continue their networking and reach more carers in the community. I will look forward to interviewing Ionie off my carer activist video series later on.