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.

This included share resources, and foster a sense of community, all while enjoying the welcoming atmosphere of the brewery.

A key feature of the event was a carer stall run by Matthew McKenzie, a dedicated advocate for unpaid carers. The stall served as a valuable resource hub, offering information, guidance, and inspiration to those in attendance. The stalls included the new “Unpaid Carer welcome pack” from Lewisham council developed with unpaid carers.

Matthew’s role in leading the stall highlighted the importance of empowering carers through peer-led initiatives. Wendy’s hosting efforts further underscored her commitment to developing connections with unpaid carers in Lewisham, making the event a heartfelt celebration of collective support and collaboration.

Look out for more updates on the carer peer group soon.