Blog by Matthew McKenzie – Carer activist

As someone who’s been advocating for carers for years through A Caring Mind, I know how important it is that carers’ experiences influence the way support systems are built. The OSMOSIS project offers a real chance to help improve understanding and services for those of us supporting loved ones with severe mental health conditions.

If you are caring for someone living with psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, here’s an opportunity to make your voice heard.

The OSMOSIS research project is looking for 9 Lived Experience Advisors from a range of backgrounds to help guide their three-year study. The focus of this project is to explore the support and needs of carers, people like family members, partners, and friends who provide unpaid care on a regular basis.

What They’re Looking For

• You are currently caring for someone living with psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder.
• You’re over 18 and caring for someone who is also over 18.
• You don’t need prior experience in research or advisory groups — your lived experience is what matters most.
• You’re interested in improving support for carers and have ideas about how to make carers’ lives better.
• You can attend one meeting every three months (usually online) and review materials shared beforehand.

What’s Offered

• An online training session for all participants.
• Reimbursement for your time, travel, and any costs incurred while participating.
• Signposting to local carer resources in your area.
• Ongoing support from Sharon and Naomi, who will be the project’s main contacts.

This is a wonderful chance to ensure the voices of carers are included in mental health research and to help shape better support for families and friends who provide care.

If you’d like to learn more or express interest, keep an eye on updates from OSMOSIS or reach out to the contacts mentioned in the project information.

If you’re interested in joining the OSMOSIS Lived Experience Advisory Panel or would like more information, please contact:
📧 Naomi Mead — naomi.mead@bbbc.org.uk
📧 Sharon Galliford — s.galliford@surrey.ac.uk