By Matthew McKenzie FRSA BEM – Triangle of Care community chair

As a carer living in Lewisham, I know just how important it is that our voices are heard and that the support available truly meets our needs. Whether we’re looking after a parent, a partner, a child, or a friend, we all share the same challenges balancing care responsibilities, work, our own wellbeing, and often feeling invisible in the process.

That’s why I wanted to share something that directly affects all of us. Lewisham Council and the NHS South East London ICB are currently developing a new Action Plan for Unpaid Carers (2025–2028). This plan will set out how the Council aims to identify, value, and support more carers over the next few years.

The team leading this work, including a new member who recently joined the Adults Integrated Commissioning Team, is reaching out to carers across the borough to get our feedback.

They’ve already spoken to many carers through meetings and local events, but now they want to make sure that everyone has the chance to share their views especially those who can’t attend workshops in person.

There’s a short online survey that takes about 15 minutes to complete, and it’s open to all unpaid carers in Lewisham.
👉 Take the survey here

You don’t have to give your name or email unless you want to, and your answers will help shape how services are designed and delivered in the future.

The draft plan focuses on three key priorities that came directly from carers’ feedback so far:

1. Being Visible – making sure unpaid carers are identified and recognised in health and care services.
2. Being Valued and Respected – ensuring carers feel listened to and included in decision-making.
3. Being Supported – improving access to the practical, emotional, and financial help that carers need.

Personally, I think this is an important opportunity for all of us to influence what happens next for carers in Lewisham borough. It’s not often that we’re asked what matters most to us, and this plan could make a real difference in how carers are recognised and supported across Lewisham.

If you’re registered with IMAGO, the commissioned carers’ support provider, you might receive a similar email from them too but it’s all part of the same consultation.

The deadline to share your views is 25 November 2025, so please take a few minutes when you can. It’s a small step that could help bring about big changes for unpaid carers like us.

Together, we can help shape a future where carers in Lewisham are seen, valued, and supported.