Shaping the Future of Care: Why the New NHS AHP Strategy Matters to Ethnic Mental Health Carers

By Matthew McKenzie – NHS England involvement, Chair of National ethnic mental health carer forum

As carers, your voices are the most powerful tools we have to change how healthcare is delivered. Every day, you navigate complex systems to support your loved ones, seeing firsthand what works and crucially where the gaps are.

Right now, NHS England’s Office of the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer (CAHPO) is developing its next big strategy: The AHP Framework for System Impact for England (2027–2032). Because this strategy is built on the core values of anti-racism, co-production, and sustainability, it is absolutely vital that ethnic minority mental health carers are at the center of this conversation.

What is an AHP and Why Do They Matter to You?

Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) make up the third-largest workforce in the NHS. They aren’t doctors or nurses, but they are the specialists who focus on recovery, independence, and keeping people healthy.

There are 14 distinct AHP roles, many of which are essential in mental health and holistic care, including:

  • Art, Drama, and Music Therapists: Helping individuals express and process complex feelings.
  • Occupational Therapists: Supporting people to regain life skills and independence.
  • Dietitians & Physiotherapists: Improving physical health, nutrition, and mobility, which heavily impact mental wellbeing.
  • Speech and Language Therapists: Assisting those with communication or swallowing difficulties.

The new 2027–2032 framework will dictate how these professionals operate, how easily you can access them, and how they support families over the next five years.

The Six Key Pillars of the New Strategy

The NHS is currently running a national consultation (open until 18th September 2026) to find out what matters most to patients and carers. They want to hear your views across six key areas:

PillarWhat it means for Carers
1. Safe, High-Quality & Accessible ServicesEnsuring your loved ones get the right care, quickly and safely, without facing unfair barriers.
2. Keeping People HealthyShifting the focus toward prevention and early support before a crisis hits.
3. People and AHP WorkforceBuilding a skilled, inclusive, and culturally competent workforce that understands diverse communities.
4. Working DifferentlyDelivering care in more appropriate, comfortable settings—like community centers or at home.
5. Research, Improvement & InnovationTurning real-world evidence and carer experiences into better everyday medical practice.
6. Data, Digital & TechnologyUsing digital tools and tech wisely to improve care access without leaving people behind.

Have Your Say: Join Our National Ethnic Mental Health Carers Forum

We have a massive opportunity to speak directly to the people writing this strategy. You are warmly invited to join our upcoming virtual forum to share your experiences, learn about groundbreaking new carer research, and hold a direct Q&A with NHS leadership.

Event Details:

  • Date: Friday, July 31st
  • Time: 10:30 AM BST Start
  • Platform: Zoom

You can also feed back on the strategy using the QR code

What’s on the Agenda for National Ethnic MH carer forum July 31st?

Our packed morning features incredible advocates and policy makers who want to hear from you:

  • 10:35 AM | Local Carer Insights: Dr. Ida Doherty (King’s College London) will present vital new research on supporting ethnic carers in South West London.
  • 10:45 AM | Health Equality Focus: A special guest segment featuring Ruby Neish (UCL) discussing healthcare experiences regarding cancer and Black women.
  • 11:00 AM | Direct NHS England Engagement: Steve Tolan (Deputy Chief AHP Officer) and Barry O’Donovan (Senior Programme Manager, NHS England) will join us to discuss the new strategy and listen to your feedback.
  • 11:20 AM | Mental Health Trust Updates: Real-world updates from local mental health trusts, including insights from Linda Thomas from West London NHS trust
  • 11:40 AM onwards | Regional Perspectives & Systems Change: Discussions with Julia G. (Carers East Kent), the Carers West Sussex study team, and Bren McInerney representing the Race Equality Observatory.

Your Voice is the Missing Piece: If we want an NHS that is truly anti-racist, co-produced, and accessible, we have to show up and speak up. This forum is a safe, supportive space designed to amplify your lived experiences.

How to Join: Please check your email for the secure Zoom link, or visit the link below. We look forward to seeing you there on July 31st at 10:30 AM!

https://caringmindblog.com/mental-health-events/#Ethnic-Mental-Health-Carers-Forum