By Matthew McKenzie – Carer & Carer Activist

On Thursday 20th November, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the Memory, Wellbeing and Brain Health event hosted at Broadfield Community Centre in Crawley. Organised by Carers Support West Sussex, the event formed part of Carers Rights Day, bringing together carers, professionals, community teams, and people living with dementia for a day of learning, connection, and support.

Although I couldn’t stay for the full programme due to travelling to another Carers Rights Day engagement later that afternoon, I was grateful to take part in the early sessions and witness the energy and compassion that shaped the whole day.

A Warm Welcome to a Community Gathering

The day opened with a gentle welcome, introductions and refreshments, a chance for carers to meet each other and browse the various resource tables that surrounded the room. The staff emphasised confidentiality, sensitivity, and a safe space for sharing lived experiences something that really set the tone for the day.

As I observed, carers from many backgrounds were already connecting with services, browsing booklets, and sharing stories about their caring roles. It reminded me how vital community spaces like this are, particularly for those who may feel isolated in their journey.

Understanding Dementia – Keynote by Alison Keizer

The first session of the morning was led by Alison Keizer, Specialist Nurse Consultant in Dementia and Delirium.
Her talk offered a powerful overview of:

• What dementia is (and what it is not)
• Early symptoms and subtle changes families may first notice
• The wide range of dementia types
• The emotional and relational impact of caring
• The importance of planning early
• Communication approaches, validation, and supporting people through behavioural changes

Alison’s personal reflections, including the loss of her father to dementia added a real sense of authenticity and compassion to her message. Many carers were visibly moved, and her presentation set a strong foundation for the rest of the day.

My Session – “A Carer’s Experience”

I was introduced earlier than scheduled as I needed to travel to another Carers Rights Day event afterwards. I was grateful for the thoughtful adjustment by the organisers.

My session focused on my journey as a carer, my role as a carer activist, and how creative expression especially poetry which helped me articulate the emotional reality of caring for a loved one experiencing mental health difficulties.

A Poem for Carers’ Rights

I opened with a short video of my poem “It’s My Right as a Carer” from my poetry book, which explores:

• The emotional weight of advocacy
• The fight to be heard
• The right to information and involvement
• The struggle to get recognition
• The need for rest, support, and understanding

Many attendees shared how the poem resonated with them, particularly those new to the caring journey who had only recently discovered that carers have rights at all. Some expressed how the themes of reflection and loss mirrored their own changing relationships with loved ones living with dementia.

Sharing My Story

I spoke briefly about how my caring role began unexpectedly, the difficulties navigating mental health services, and the emotional toll of managing multiple caring responsibilities. My message emphasised:

• Carers must be identified early
• Carers deserve a voice
• Lived experience is expertise
• Support services are vital
• No one should feel alone in their caring role

I also reminded carers that, even with professionals around them, they hold unique knowledge, where knowledge built from years of relationship, routine, and emotional commitment.

Event Stalls and Community Connections

After speaking, I had a short moment to explore several of the information stalls before leaving. The room was filled with resources from:

• Dementia support organisations
• Carer wellbeing services
• Health teams
• Mental health professionals
• Local authority services
• Community groups offering activities, advice, and learning opportunities

The tables displayed booklets, wellbeing packs, books, leaflets on dementia, and tools for carers to help navigate their journey. Even in my brief time, the atmosphere was warm, supportive, and grounded in practical help.

Sessions I Sadly Missed, But Celebrated from Afar

Although I had to depart before lunch, the rest of the programme continued with:

• Lived Experience Conversation
• Gentle Movement Workshop: “Let’s Keep Moving”
• A warm buffet lunch & networking
• Short film screening on the dementia journey
• Workshop on self-care for carers
• Q&A with Alzheimer’s Society
• Community Resource Fair

From what I heard afterwards, the discussions, workshops, and the afternoon fair were rich with insight and emotional resonance, just as the morning had been.

Final Reflections

Even though I couldn’t stay for the full day, I left feeling inspired by the dedication of the carers, staff and volunteers who make these community events possible.

Carers Rights Day is about recognition, connection, and empowerment. Events like the one in West Sussex bring that to life.

I’m grateful to have played a small part in the morning’s programme, to share my poetry, my story, and, hopefully, to encourage carers to honour their own voices and rights.

Thank you to Carers Support West Sussex for inviting me and thank you to every carer who attended, listened, shared, and supported one another throughout the day.