On Wednesday 26th March, I had the pleasure of attending and representing Carers UK along with Greenwich Carers MH carers grouos. This was at the Greenwich Carers centre – Carers Forum – Mental Health event.

The event was held in the building and then in a beautiful garden setting surrounded by passionate individuals and organisations all focused on supporting unpaid carers. As someone who’s deeply involved in carer advocacy, this was more than just an information stall, it was a moment to connect, empower, and share resources that can make a real difference in someone’s life.

The centre is a vital hub offering practical, emotional, and social support to anyone who looks after a family member, friend, or neighbour due to illness, disability, or age. Their mission is to ensure carers are recognised, respected, and able to live well while caring for someone else.

What Greenwich Carers Centre Offers:

• Information & Advice: Guidance on benefits, rights, and local services.
• 1-to-1 Support: Tailored emotional and practical support from trained advisors.
• Workshops & Training: Sessions to build resilience, manage stress, and learn more about caring roles.
• Carer Breaks & Activities: Social events, peer support groups, and respite opportunities.
• Support for Young Carers: Helping young people balance caring with education and personal development.

They’re a trusted source of ongoing help, whether you’re new to caring or have been doing it for years.

📍 Location: 76 Hornfair Road, Charlton, London SE7 7BD
📞 Phone: 0300 300 2233
🌐 Website: greenwichcarers.org

About the carers forum – mental health theme

• 10.30 – 11.00: Registration and calming meditation
• 11.00 – 11.15: Introduction to the Oxleas Carers Group, presented by Janice Williamson, highlighting the incredible support the group offers for carers connected to mental health services.
• 11.15 – 11.25: Live Well – Charlton shared local initiatives on health improvement.
• 11.25 – 11.35: Health Watch Greenwich gave insight into how they represent the public voice in health and care.
• 11.35 – 11.45: Talk by Janice Walker on Greenwich Carers Centre carers groups and forums aimed at mental health carers.
• 11.45 – 11.55: Time to Talk – Julie addressed the importance of accessible mental health conversations.
• 11.55 – 12.15: Deborah Ubee Trust explored therapeutic support for families and carers.
• 12.15 – 1.00: Lunch and informal networking and stalls.

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Afternoon: Stallholder Engagement (1.00 – 2.30)

Attendees had the opportunity to visit information stalls, ask questions, and collect resources.

Each table had passionate reps ready to engage, including:

• South East London Mind – Mental health support and advocacy
• Live Well Greenwich – Health and wellbeing support
• Health Watch – Community voice in health and social care
• Cross Roads Care – Practical help for carers
• Time to Talk – Mental health resources (info only)
• Deborah Ubee Trust – Therapy and support
• Matthew McKenzie / Carers UK – Carers UK leaflets, Unpaid carers’ rights, mental health carer leaflets and information

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Reflections

Events like these are a vital reminder that carers need space to be heard and supported. I was proud to be part of such an inclusive, informative day, where local groups came together to uplift those who are often unseen.

If you’re an unpaid carer, please reach out. Whether it’s a conversation, some reading material, or pointing you in the right direction—support is out there, and you deserve it.

A bit about Carers UK

Carers UK is a national charity dedicated to supporting the millions of unpaid carers across the UK. Whether you’re looking after a family member, friend or neighbour, Carers UK offers guidance, community, and advocacy to help you navigate the challenges of caring.

📞 Free Helpline: 0808 808 7777
🌐 Website: www.carersuk.org