In this blog by Carer activist Matthew McKenzie, you can learn how to establish and manage a carer peer support group effectively, from defining its purpose to recruiting members and creating a supportive environment. Gain insights on structuring meetings, engaging members, and overcoming challenges for long-term success.
The blog is fairly brief and short, but you can watch the video lecture below for a more detailed explanation. (32 mins organised as an index). Sorry for the picture in section 4 overlapping the example
Welcome to another blog post by Carer Activist Matthew McKenzie. This blog and video is from my lived experience caring for a close relative and also supporting my brothers.
To watch the video lecture, please click below.
The holiday season is a time filled with joy, celebration, and connection. However, for unpaid carers, it can also be a period laden with stress, isolation, and heightened responsibilities.
Welcome to another blog by Matthew McKenzie Carer activist. As a lived experienced member of the Race Equality Foundation. I am proud to present an exciting project that seeks to address the inequalities in health.
The London Anti-Racism Collaboration for Health (LARCH) have launched a new tool to help health and care organisations tackle systemic racial health inequalities.
The Race Equity Maturity Index (REMI) is the first framework of its kind, allowing organisations to track, measure and enhance their anti-racist activities using an evidence-based approach.
The REMI was designed with people and communities from across London, reflecting the diversity of both London’s population and its health and care workforce.
The REMI is intended to help all the parts of the health and care ecosystem meaningfully address the inequalities faced by Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic Londoners, which include:
Using the REMI, organisations can self-assess their progress in tackling these inequalities. The tool uses measurable indicators to categorise organisations into one of six stages of racial maturity, with clear pathways for progression between each stage.
On December 14th, a carer engagement peer event took place at Sydenham’s Ignition Brewery, creating a vibrant and inclusive space for unpaid carers in Lewisham to connect and share experiences. The event, which was carer-led, was hosted by Wendy, who is passionate about strengthening the network of support for carers in the borough. Wendy was joined by her son Jamie who as a young carer was awarded “Young Resident of the Year” in 2022 by Lewisham Homes.
The gathering named Sydenham’s Ignition Peer Support “SIPS FOR CARERS” provided an opportunity for carers to engage in meaningful conversations.
Welcome to another blog post by carer activist and ambassador Matthew McKenzie. I raise awareness of unpaid carers who support those with long term ill health. This time my blog focus is on the inclusion of carer only groups at mental health service development.
Here is another blog by Matthew McKenzie author of “Experiences of Mental Health unpaid caring”. This time I am covering a difficult and compex topic. Caring for someone and trying to maintain the family connection.
If you want to watch the detailed version of this blog, you can watch the video below.
Welcome to a brief update of my Lewisham mental health carer forum aimed at those caring for someone living with mental illness.
The carer group discussed the importance of involving carers in the planning and improvement of services, with a focus on creating a carer family involvement network and improving carer information. They also addressed concerns about the lack of involvement of black carers in Council initiatives and the need for better communication and support for carers. The conversation ended with discussions on effective communication in caregiving for mental health, the importance of self-care for carers, and the need for professional help when communication breaks down.
Blog by Matthew McKenzie aimed at unpaid carers whose cared for will soon be discharged from hospital. Here are some tips to take note of to help in smooth transistion back into the community.
To watch the video lecture nearly 30 mins, see below.
Welcome to a brief update of the carer forum for Southwark & Lambeth. The forum is facilitated by Matthew McKenzie, carer activist and author. The online carer led group runs once a month.
Here is a brief update for November 2024. However before continuing on to the blog, here is a quick update from Southwark Council and South East London ICS aimed at carers from Southwark.
A Caring Mind 