Celebrating Mental Health Carers: Building Stronger Connections in Southwest London

By Matthew McKenzie | April 2025

Mental health carers play a vital, often unseen role in supporting loved ones through some of life’s most difficult challenges. At the SW London Mental Health Carer’s Group, we’re creating a space where carers can connect, learn, and feel empowered.

The forum is faciliated by Matthew McKenzie and Ava, although members of the group are encouraged to facilitate to develop carer empowerment.

Our recent meeting on March 31st was a powerful example of what happens when people come together with shared purpose, open hearts, and a desire to make a difference.

Putting Carers First: A Community in Action

For the month of March 2025, it brought fresh energy, practical insight, and a renewed commitment to improving services and support for carers and families. We were joined by speakers from the Fircroft Trust’s Wellbeing Hub and Southwest London and St George’s Mental Health Trust’s Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). The focus? Building bridges, between services, families, and professionals—to make sure carers are not just heard but truly supported.

A Space to Heal: Spotlight on the Fircroft Trust Wellbeing Hub

Gaja from the Fircroft Trust introduced us to their Wellbeing Hub in Kingston, a warm, inclusive space where adults living with mental health issues can relax, socialize, and take part in meaningful activities. From arts and crafts to mindfulness and gardening, the Hub is more than just a service, it’s a community.

Carers can also get involved, with opportunities for joint sessions and family-friendly events. Gaja extended a warm invitation to carers to visit and explore partnership possibilities. Whether you’re supporting a loved one or looking for a moment of calm, Fircroft offers a little oasis—with ample parking and even a garden gift shop.

Understanding PALS: Advocating for Carers and Families

Angela Evans from the SWLSTG Trust’s Experience and Governance team gave a detailed overview of how PALS and the complaints process can support families and carers. Many of us know how hard it is to speak up when something feels wrong—especially when you’re worried about how it might impact a loved one’s care.

Angela emphasized that the Trust welcomes feedback as an opportunity to learn and improve. She walked us through how complaints are handled, the common themes (communication, care, and staff attitudes), and how the team is working to improve responsiveness and transparency. Her message was clear: Your voice matters. Carers have a right to be involved, respected, and informed.

Real Talk: The Challenges Carers Face

We didn’t shy away from the tough stuff. The group openly discussed the struggles carers face, especially when advocating for someone who isn’t well enough to speak for themselves. Angela acknowledged these challenges and stressed the importance of treating carers as partners in care, not bystanders.

It’s not just about complaints. Sometimes, carers raise concerns that don’t meet the formal threshold, but still point to something that needs fixing. We talked about the importance of those moments too, and how services can learn from them.

Looking Ahead: Plans, Speakers, and… a Picnic?

The group is already buzzing with ideas for the next few months! We’re planning to invite a pharmacist to our next session, explore future talks from nurses and carers’ organizations, and if all goes well, host a picnic meeting at Fircroft. Because sometimes, healing happens over a sandwich in the sunshine.

Get Involved

If you’re a carer or know someone who is—consider joining us. These meetings aren’t just about updates and policies. They’re about community, connection, and care. We’re here to uplift and support each other. Whether you’re new to caring or have been doing it for years, there’s a place for you at the table.

Let’s keep the conversation going. Let’s keep pushing for change.

Together, we’re stronger. Together, we care.