Grief affects us all at some point in our lives, but for unpaid carers who have dedicated their energy and resources to looking after someone with a long-term illness, the passing of their loved one carries a unique weight. This article by carer activist Matthew McKenzie delves into the ways unpaid carers can cope with this profound sense of loss, exploring the emotional depths of grief and offering practical advice on navigating these difficult waters.
Continue readingThis blog post and video is by carer activist Matthew McKenzie doing his bit to raise awareness of grief and wellbeing.
To watch the 2 minute video please click below.
Grief can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, touching all aspects of a person’s life. In recognition of this, the UK observes National Grief Awareness Week from December 2nd to December 8th each year.
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Addressing health disparities, especially for patients with serious mental illness (SMI), is crucial in improving cancer treatment outcomes. This post by Matthew Mckenzie who facilitates the National cancer carer forum explores the multifaceted challenges faced by this vulnerable group and the necessary steps to tackle these inequalities.
To watch the video regarding Cancer and Serious Mental Illness, please click below.
Before continuing with the post, South East London Cancer Alliance. have just released their Cancer And Serious Mental Illness Information Resource. These have been co-created by SELCA, South London & Maudsley and the HIN, while working closely with people with lived experience of cancer and serious mental illnesses. You can visit and see the resources here: https://www.selca.nhs.uk/patients-and-carers/cancer-and-serious-mental-illness
The following sections might be of particular interest as they focus on cancer risks and screening.
Continue readingWelcome back to another Carer Champion interview. Carers play an essential role in our society, often operating behind the scenes and without pay. In this interview, we meet Maz, a volunteer with Carers UK, who sheds light on the nature of unpaid care work, the challenges carers face, and the significant support networks available for them. Let’s dive into her invaluable insights.
To watch the video, please click play on the video below.
The Hidden Army of Carers
Maz describes unpaid carers as a “hidden army” that tirelessly provides care for loved ones, often without much recognition or support. Unlike professional care workers who are trained and compensated for their services, unpaid carers usually step into the role out of necessity and affection for those they care for. Maz herself is an example of a “sandwich carer,” a term used for someone who cares for both their elderly parents and their adult children.
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Welcome back to another blog post by carer activist Matthew McKenzie. I am involved in quite a few things and one of them is being one of the Carer Network Ambassadors for Cygnet. This means we have a keen interest in networking and support families, friends and carers throughout the community.
One way to connect to carers is through carer led events. You see, we are more than just our roles, we are more than carers and just once there should be a space for families, friends can carers to express themselves, take time out for themselves despite the emotional and difficult journeys they face.
So following off the successful event held over at one of the Cygnet sites Churchill hospital.
Carers Annette Davis and Faith Smith set out to host Postive Talents part 2 to give a chance for carers to showcase their talents and have a night out for entertainment to reduce isolation.
The Positive Talents – Part 2 event took place on friday 29th of November 2024. For this event we had an amazing range of performing acts, including poets, singers, dancers, book readings and interests that those with lived experience of caring promoted.
I will not go fully into all the acts as you can watch the video below and fast forward to any of the performances you want to see.
The event included a Raffle section, food and refreshments and a way for carers to network to reduce isolation and stigma.
However the event was worth attending to give carers of London a chance to have space for them with thanks to Laura Sheridan Cygnet Head Carer & Service User Engagement and staff at Cygnet for the excellent hospitality.
Well done to all the carers who performed at the event who were awarded certificates.
We look forward for the next Positive Talents show.
Another awareness video and blog by carer activist Matthew McKenzie. If you wish to watch the video. Please click below.
Addiction is a powerful force affecting millions of lives around the globe. As we approach Addiction Awareness Week 2024, it’s essential to shine a spotlight on this critical issue, emphasizing that while addiction affects everyone, recovery is always possible.
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A Caring Mind 