By Matthew McKenzie – Member of Southwark Carers Strategy Working Group
Southwark Council is inviting unpaid carers from Southwark to share their experiences and help shape its review of adult safeguarding services.
The council’s Health, Adult Social Care and Community Safety Scrutiny Commission is examining how safeguarding services can better support adults and their carers while promoting independence, dignity, choice and wellbeing.
The Commission would particularly like to hear carers’ experiences of:
Working with safeguarding and other professionals
Accessing information and support
Being included in safeguarding decisions
Preventing abuse, neglect and other forms of harm
Balancing personal safety with independence and choice
Self-neglect and hoarding
The use of technology
Communication with carers
Supporting someone living with dementia or mental ill health
Caring for an adult child or sibling with a disability
Your experiences could help the Commission identify what is working well, where improvements are needed and how carers can be more effectively recognised and involved.
Complete the carers’ survey
Unpaid carers can share their experiences through Southwark Council’s online Adult Safeguarding Review Carers’ Survey:
The survey is anonymous and will remain open until Friday 11 September 2026.
Join the online carers’ workshop
Southwark Council is also holding an online workshop where carers can discuss their experiences in greater detail.
Join the online carers’ workshop
Southwark Council is also holding an online workshop where carers can discuss their experiences in greater detail.
Date: Thursday 20 August 2026 Time: 12:30 pm Location: Online via Microsoft Teams
To request the Microsoft Teams joining details, please contact Julie Timbrell, Scrutiny Project Manager, at:
Please include “Adult Safeguarding Carers’ Workshop” in the subject line.
For safeguarding and meeting security, the direct Teams link and passcode are not being published on this website.
If you cannot attend the workshop, you can still contribute to the review by completing the anonymous survey.
Confidentiality and use of information
Taking part in the survey or workshop is voluntary.
Notes will be taken during the workshop, but participants’ comments will be anonymised before they are included in reports or presented to councillors. Individual participants will not be identified without their explicit consent.
Survey responses will also be analysed and reported anonymously. Southwark Council is interested in identifying common themes and experiences rather than identifying individual carers.
The information collected will only be used to inform the Adult Safeguarding Review and its recommendations. A report containing the Commission’s findings and recommendations will be published after the review has been completed.
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:
Pillar
What it means for Carers
1. Safe, High-Quality & Accessible Services
Ensuring your loved ones get the right care, quickly and safely, without facing unfair barriers.
2. Keeping People Healthy
Shifting the focus toward prevention and early support before a crisis hits.
3. People and AHP Workforce
Building a skilled, inclusive, and culturally competent workforce that understands diverse communities.
4. Working Differently
Delivering care in more appropriate, comfortable settings—like community centers or at home.
5. Research, Improvement & Innovation
Turning real-world evidence and carer experiences into better everyday medical practice.
6. Data, Digital & Technology
Using 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!
By Matthew McKenzie – Carer and Carers UK Ambassador
As unpaid carers, many of us know what it feels like to operate in the background. We juggle complex health systems, care for our loved ones, and manage our own lives, all too often feeling invisible.
That is why I am excited to share a major milestone for our community.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), alongside the Departments for Education, Business and Trade, and Work and Pensions has officially launched the Unpaid Carers Action Plan: Recognize, Refer, Reach.
This is England’s first-ever cross-government action plan dedicated entirely to supporting unpaid carers.
I was honored to attend the official launch event to represent our community, meet with Minister for Care Stephen Kinnock MP, and participate in the official DHSC launch video.
This isn’t just another policy document; it is a commitment across multiple government sectors to drive real, practical change.
The plan is built around three core pillars:
1. Recognise
Carers must be identified early. One of the most exciting digital updates is a new “MyCarer” section being introduced on the NHS App, allowing us to easily register our caring role so healthcare staff know who we are from the start.
2. Refer
No carer should have to navigate the system alone. This pillar focuses on making sure we are directed to local carer centres, financial advice, and emotional support early on. Crucially, it aims to ensure we are formally included in major healthcare decisions, like hospital discharge planning.
3. Reach
Caring shouldn’t mean giving up on your own future. For working carers, the plan explores paid carer’s leave and will require large employers (250+ staff) to publish carer support plans from spring 2027. For young carers, it means stronger support within schools so their education doesn’t suffer.
A Message to My Fellow Carers and Carer Centres
For years, we have argued that caring is not just a “health” issue, it impacts our jobs, our education, our finances, and our mental health. Seeing four government departments finally come together to address I feel is a massive step forward.
To my fellow unpaid carers: Please know that using your voice gives you a chance at being heard. It is important to get carers “on the map” to be recognised, and this plan is a direct result of carers sharing their lived experiences.
To Carer Centres and Forums: This action plan is a powerful tool for us. It gives us a framework to hold local services accountable and ensure the “Recognise, Refer, Reach” goals are delivered on the ground.
Of course change doesn’t happen overnight, but this plan gives us a vital foundation to build on. Let’s keep pushing, keep connecting, and make sure every single unpaid carer gets the recognition and support they deserve.
By Matthew McKenzie – member of UCP Lived experience group
Many unpaid carers worry about one question: “What would happen if I suddenly became ill or was unable to provide care?” It is a concern that often sits in the background but can cause enormous anxiety.
A new approach being developed across London aims to provide reassurance and practical support. Through the Universal Care Plan (UCP) and the Carer Contingency Plan (CCP), unpaid carers can record important information and make plans so that the people they care for continue to receive support if circumstances change.
What is a Universal Care Plan?
The Universal Care Plan (UCP) is a secure digital care record used across London. It allows important information to be shared with health and care professionals involved in a person’s care.
The plan records information that matters most to the individual, including:
Health conditions and medical information.
Personal wishes and preferences.
Details about family members and carers.
Important contacts.
Information that can help professionals provide better care.
The UCP can help reduce the need to repeat information and ensures that health and care staff have access to information when it matters most.
People of all ages can have a Universal Care Plan, including both carers and the people they support.
For unpaid carers, one of the most valuable developments is the Carer Contingency Plan (CCP).
The CCP allows carers to record what should happen if they are suddenly unable to continue caring because of illness, an emergency or another unexpected event.
The plan can include:
Emergency contacts.
Information about daily routines.
Medication arrangements.
Communication needs.
Important preferences and wishes.
Details about replacement support or family members who could help.
Having this information available means professionals and family members can respond more quickly and with greater confidence during a crisis.
Why is this important for unpaid carers?
Many carers provide support around the clock and often put their own needs last. Yet emergencies can happen to anyone.
A Carer Contingency Plan can:
Provide peace of mind.
Help avoid unnecessary hospital admissions.
Ensure continuity of care.
Reduce stress during emergencies.
Make carers more visible to health and care services.
Improve communication between professionals and families.
Most importantly, it recognises the crucial role unpaid carers play and helps ensure they are not overlooked.
Accessible and Easy to Use
Universal Care Plans and Carer Contingency Plans are designed to be practical and accessible.
Plans can be created:
In hospitals.
In community services.
Through voluntary sector organisations.
By individuals themselves using the NHS App and NHS digital services.
Support materials and guidance are continuing to expand, making it easier for both professionals and carers to understand and use the system.
Working Together Across Health and Care
The UCP and CCP are being used across hospital, community and voluntary sector settings. Their purpose is simple but powerful: to improve communication, support carers and ensure that important information is available when it is needed most.
For unpaid carers, this represents a positive step forward. Carers have long spoken about wanting greater recognition and reassurance that there is a plan in place should something happen to them. The Carer Contingency Plan helps answer that concern.
A Message to Carers
If you support a family member, partner, friend or neighbour, you are not alone. Your role matters, and planning ahead is not about expecting the worst—it is about providing reassurance and protecting the person you care for.
The Universal Care Plan and Carer Contingency Plan offer a practical way to make your wishes known, improve communication with professionals and ensure that support can continue when it is needed most.
If you would like to know more, speak to your hospital’s carers service, community team, GP practice, local carers organisation or ask a member of your health and care team about the Universal Care Plan and Carer Contingency Plan.
Planning ahead today can bring peace of mind tomorrow for both carers and the people they care for.
By Matthew McKenzie – Carer, Campaigner, Author and Speaker
5 June 2026 – Supporting Kent County Council’s Carer Awareness Campaign
Although not officially part of Carers Week, my activities with Kent County Council formed an important part of my ongoing commitment to raising awareness of unpaid carers. I supported the county’s long-term carer awareness campaign by taking part in filming designed to help train council staff to better recognise and support carers.
I also discussed future opportunities to speak at Kent County Council carer groups and continued promoting my own support groups across the county. It was encouraging to see local government investing in carer awareness and recognising the importance of ensuring carers are identified, valued and supported within their communities.
9 June 2026 – Developed Video promotion for Carers Week 2026
I did my bit to raise awareness of Carers Week 2026 via a video I developed, which you can see below.
8 June 2026 – Carers Week Stall at St George’s University Hospital
Carers Week officially began with a rewarding day at St George’s University Hospital, where I hosted a Carers UK information stall. The event provided an opportunity to engage directly with unpaid carers, patients, hospital staff and visitors, sharing information about the support available to carers both locally and nationally.
I was particularly pleased to see the hospital’s dedicated carers information board, which demonstrated a clear commitment to recognising and supporting unpaid carers. Throughout the day, I spoke with many people who were caring for family members and helped raise awareness of carers’ rights, available services and the importance of seeking support. It was a positive start to Carers Week and highlighted the vital role healthcare settings can play in identifying and supporting carers.
10 June 2026 – Ealing Carers Week Celebration at Perceval House
On 10 June, I attended the Carers Week Celebration 2026 at Perceval House in Ealing, organised by Ealing Carers Partnership, Ealing Carers Hub and Ealing Council. As someone who supports both of my elderly parents, I understand first-hand the rewards and challenges of caring. During the event, I had the privilege of hosting a Carers UK information stall while also attending as a carer, poet and author.
The day brought together carers, charities, community organisations, health professionals and council representatives in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Carers had access to information, advice and wellbeing activities, including complimentary refreshments, free manicures provided by Uxbridge College students, artwork exhibitions and opportunities to connect with others who understand the caring journey. The event served as a powerful reminder that carers matter, their voices are important and they should never feel alone.
You can find out more about the event below from Ealing Local Community news
10 June 2026 – Carers Week Parliamentary Drop-In Event, Westminster
Later that day, I attended the Carers Week Parliamentary Drop-In Event at Portcullis House, Westminster. The event brought together unpaid carers, carers’ organisations, MPs and Peers to discuss the realities of caring and the support carers need.
Designed as a speed-networking event, it offered an important platform for carers to share their experiences directly with policymakers and raise awareness of both the immense contribution carers make and the challenges they face. It was encouraging to see parliamentarians engaging with carers and supporter organisations, demonstrating a growing recognition of the need for stronger policies and greater support for unpaid carers across the country.
11 June 2026 – East Sussex Carers Voices Event, East Dean Village Hall
As part of Carers Week, I travelled to East Dean in East Sussex to speak at the East Sussex Carers Voices – Celebrating Carers Week Event, organised by Care for the Carers. The event brought together unpaid carers, NHS representatives, local authority leaders, health professionals, carers’ organisations and community groups to discuss how support for carers can be improved.
Hosted by Dr Neil Churchill, Chair of Care for the Carers along with Jennifer Twist CEO of Care For The Carers, the day focused on listening to carers’ experiences and ensuring their voices were heard by decision-makers.
I was honoured to contribute to these discussions and to share insights from my own caring journey. The event demonstrated the value of bringing carers and professionals together to shape services and create positive change for unpaid carers across East Sussex.
12 June 2026 – Speaking at the Cygnet National Carers Event
On 12 June, I had the privilege of speaking at the Cygnet National Carers Event in London as Cygnet’s PCREF Carer Lead, Carer Network Ambassador and carer author. The event brought together carers, healthcare professionals and sector leaders to celebrate carers and discuss the support they need. I shared my experiences as a lifelong carer and highlighted the importance of recognising carers as equal partners in care.
It was inspiring to hear from a diverse range of speakers, including experts by experience, researchers, advocates and service leaders, all united by a shared commitment to improving outcomes for carers. The event reinforced the importance of lived experience in shaping services and ensuring carers’ voices remain central to policy and practice.
13 June 2026 – Carers Community and Support Day at Wells Park Practice
I concluded Carers Week 2026 by hosting a carers information stall alongside Wendy (who is also a devoted carer campaigner at our Lewisham group) at Wells Park Practice during their Carers Community and Support Day.
The event celebrated carers within the local community and provided an opportunity for unpaid carers to access information, advice and support in a relaxed and welcoming environment.
Throughout the afternoon, I spoke with carers about the challenges they face and the services available to help them. The event also highlighted the importance of building a carer-friendly community by recognising carers, understanding the realities of caring and empowering carers to live fulfilling lives. It was a fitting way to end a busy and rewarding week dedicated to championing carers and raising awareness of their invaluable contribution to society.
Reflection
Carers Week 2026 was an incredibly busy and meaningful week, providing opportunities to raise awareness, influence decision-makers, support carers directly and celebrate the extraordinary contribution that unpaid carers make every day.
From hospitals and GP surgeries to Parliament, local authorities and national conferences, the message remained the same: carers are essential, carers deserve recognition and carers must be supported. I am proud to have contributed to so many events throughout the week and remain committed to ensuring that carers’ voices continue to be heard long after Carers Week has ended.
For Carers Week 2026, it takes place from 8–14 June and shines a spotlight on the millions of unpaid carers who provide essential care and support to family members, friends and loved ones throughout the UK.
This year’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, highlights the need for workplaces, healthcare services, schools, local authorities and communities to better recognise and support unpaid carers.
Despite contributing billions of pounds worth of care each year, many unpaid carers continue to face challenges including financial hardship, social isolation, poor mental health and difficulties accessing support. So Carers Week aims to raise awareness of these issues while encouraging practical action to create a society where carers are valued, respected and included.
As a carer activist and founder of my site A Caring Mind, I am sure that creating carer-friendly communities starts with understanding the realities of caring. Whether you are caring for an ageing parent, a disabled child, a partner with a long-term condition or someone experiencing mental ill health, carers play a vital role in keeping families and communities together.
However, there are still many people do not identify themselves as carers and therefore miss out on important support, benefits and services. Carers Week 2026 provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations and policymakers to listen to carers’ experiences, champion carers’ rights and improve access to support for unpaid carers across the UK.
Watch my Carers Week 2026 video below to learn more about the campaign, this year’s theme and how you can get involved in supporting unpaid carers. Please share the video to help raise awareness and encourage more people to recognise the invaluable contribution that carers make every single day.
Together, we can build stronger, more inclusive and more carer-friendly communities
I recently had the privilege of appearing on BBC Radio 1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave to discuss my experiences as a Black mental health carer and long-standing volunteer at Carers UK, plus my groups supporting unpaid mental health carers.
My long standaing friend and carer peer Jo Lambert who specialises in hope and mental health accompanied me to the BBC studios
The programme focused on the realities of caring, the challenges many families face, and the importance of community support.
As someone who has supported family members with severe mental health needs and autism, I spoke about how I never initially saw myself as a carer. Like many people, I simply did what I felt was my duty as a son and brother. It was only later that I learned about the term “unpaid carer” and the support available through carers organisations and local carers centres.
During the discussion, I reflected on some of the challenges faced by Black carers, particularly Black male carers, who may feel pressure to remain strong and avoid speaking openly about their own mental health struggles. I shared how peer support groups, creativity and poetry helped me manage difficult emotions and find hope during challenging times.
I also spoke about the importance of identifying as a carer and seeking support early. Many people provide care out of love and responsibility without realising that help is available. Through my volunteering with Carers UK and work within hospitals and community settings, I continue to encourage carers to access support, connect with others and recognise that looking after themselves is just as important as caring for others.
I also read a poem from one of my books “Telling your story as a mental health carer”, you can view the poem below.
One of the strongest messages from the programme was that caring is about community. Whether through carers centres, voluntary organisations, healthcare services or local networks, nobody should have to face caring responsibilities alone.
I would like to thank Richie Brave and the BBC Radio 1Xtra team for creating space for these important conversations and for highlighting the voices and experiences of unpaid carers.
You can listen to the programme here:
BBC Radio 1Xtra Talks with Richie Brave – Caring Matters
Caring for a loved one at the end of life is often described as an act of compassion and dedication. But for some carers, this role comes with a hidden and deeply challenging reality, experiencing domestic abuse from the very person they are supporting.
A new research project led by the University of Southampton is shining a light on this often overlooked issue. The study aims to understand what it is like to experience domestic abuse in a caring relationship, particularly when the person receiving care is seriously ill or nearing the end of life. It also seeks to explore what kinds of support carers need, and how health and social care services can respond more effectively.
This project brings together carers, professionals, and experts to share experiences and co-design practical guidance that could improve support systems and overall wellbeing for carers. By listening directly to those affected, researchers hope to create meaningful change in how services identify and respond to abuse in caregiving situations .
If you are a carer who has experienced domestic abuse or a professional working in health or social care, your insights could make a real difference. Taking part in the study is an opportunity to help shape better support for others facing similar challenges.
To learn more or get involved, you can contact the research team at ceda@soton.ac.uk or call 023 8059 7581.
Your voice matters. By sharing your experience, you can help build safer, more supportive care environments for everyone.
April is Stress Awareness Month 2026 in the UK, and this year’s theme is #BeTheChange – Small Actions, Big Impact. In the video below, Matthew McKenzie, carer activist, shares practical stress management tips specifically for unpaid carers who are supporting loved ones while managing their own wellbeing.
Learn how small, consistent actions can reduce stress, improve mental health, and make a real difference in your daily life. I also highlight trusted organisations that provide resources and support for carers.
Whether you’re an unpaid carer, a family member, or someone interested in improving mental health awareness, this video provides easy-to-implement strategies and guidance to help you manage stress effectively.
Stories are powerful. They carry memory, experience, and truth in ways that forms and systems often cannot. For unpaid minority carers, our stories are not just reflections, they are essential to understanding the full picture of care.
I’ve recently shared a poem, “Our Stories Matter,” from my upcoming poetry book. It explores the importance of lived experience, intergenerational memory, and the voices that are too often overlooked within health and social care systems.
While assessments, care plans, and clinical notes tell part of the story, they rarely capture the depth of what families and carers experience every day. Our stories provide context. They bring meaning and complete the picture.
This is especially important within the context of PCREF, where recognising lived experience and cultural understanding is key to improving care and addressing inequalities. When carers’ voices are not heard, something vital is missing.
This poem is a reminder that our stories are central.
A Caring Mind 