Category Archives: Carer Events

Review and updates on carer events I attend

Speaking as a Carer: Reflections from the Carers’ Wellbeing Conference, London

By Matthew McKenzie

I’ve spoken at many events over the years, but standing in a room full of carers always is a great experince differently. The room filled with lived experience, this time paid and unpaid carers carrying invisible weight of caring stories that rarely get space.

The Carers’ Wellbeing Conference in London, organised by Carers’ Mind CIC, was a moment where carers were allowed to be people first.

The event was hosted at The Abbey Centre, a welcoming community venue in Westminster that provides vital space for local groups, charities, and events focused on wellbeing, inclusion, and social support.

CarersMind CIC is a community-interest organisation dedicated to improving the wellbeing, visibility, and support of both paid and unpaid carers. Through accessible events, practical training, and open conversations about mental health, CarersMind CIC creates safe spaces where carers are recognised as individuals

The Impact of Caring on Mental Health

When I was invited to speak about “The Impact of Caring on Mental Health and What Actually Helps”, I didn’t hesitate. Caring has shaped every part of my adult life. It has taught me empathy, patience, advocacy, but it has also exposed me to burnout, trauma, guilt, and long stretches of isolation.

Too often, carers are spoken about rather than with. This conference made a conscious effort to centre carers’ voices, not as an afterthought, but as expertise.

The Room Told Its Own Story

At the conference, there was no pressure to “cope better” or “be more resilient” without acknowledging the cost. Instead, there was honesty.

Carers spoke about:

Burnout that creeps in quietly
Guilt for needing rest
The emotional toll of long-term responsibility
Feeling unseen by systems that rely on them

These were truths that deserved to be heard without judgement.

What Claire Shelton Shared at her session

Claire spoke openly about how caring impacts mental health carers over time, not just during moments of crisis. she talked about trauma that doesn’t announce itself, about stress containers that overflow slowly, and about how carers often normalise distress because “there’s no other option.”

Most importantly, she focused on what actually helps:

Being recognised as a carer both formally and emotionally
Access to peer support, not just professional services
Practical tools that reduce isolation
Boundaries that protect carers’ wellbeing without guilt

One resource Claire highlighted was the Hub of Hope, because carers need access to support that doesn’t require jumping through endless hoops. These matter not because they fix everything, but because they return a small amount of control to people who’ve lost a lot of it.

What I Shared in my session

In my session, I spoke from lived experience about the long-term impact of caring, shaped deeply by my role as a carer for my mother. I shared how caring is rarely defined by single moments of crisis, but by the gradual, cumulative pressure that builds over time. This includes the emotional labour, the constant vigilance, and the way stress and trauma often go unrecognised because caring simply becomes “what you do.”

I reflected on how caring for my mother affected my mental health, identity, and sense of self. This experience led me to speak about carers’ rights the right to be recognised as a carer, to be involved in decisions, to access support, and to protect one’s own wellbeing without guilt or fear of judgement.

Most importantly, I focused on what actually helps:

Being identified and recognised as a carer, both formally and emotionally
Understanding and exercising carers’ rights
Access to peer support grounded in shared lived experience, not only professional services
Practical tools that reduce isolation and complexity

The Power of Being in the Same Room

One of the most powerful moments wasn’t during my talk it was during the conversations that followed. Carers sharing strategies with each other. Nodding in recognition. Saying, “I thought it was just me.”

That’s the quiet power of events like this. They remind carers that their experiences are valid, shared, and worthy of space.

A Collective Effort

It was a privilege to share the day with:

Claire Shelton, who spoke with clarity and compassion about resilience, stress management, and boundaries
Klivert Jabea, who brought warmth, insight, and a strong message that self-care is not a luxury
The organisers at Carers’ Mind CIC, who created an environment that felt safe, inclusive, and genuinely carer-focused

This conference was about acknowledging reality and that’s where real wellbeing work begins.

Leaving with Hope and Responsibility

I left the Abbey Centre reminded of why this work matters. Carers are holding together families, communities, and systems often at great personal cost. Supporting carers isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Resources and Support for Carers

If you are a carer and are looking for support for your wellbeing, mental health, or caring role, the following resources were highlighted or reflected in discussions during the conference:

Hub of Hope — https://hubofhope.co.uk
A free, UK-wide mental health support database that helps carers find local and national services quickly, without needing to navigate complex systems. It is particularly useful for carers who may not know where to start or who feel overwhelmed by traditional referral pathways.
CarersMind CIC — https://carersmind.co.uk/
A community interest company focused on improving carers’ mental health and wellbeing through events, training, and open conversations that centre lived experience. Their work creates spaces where carers feel recognised, heard, and supported.
Carers UK — https://www.carersuk.org/
Provides information on carers’ rights, benefits, assessments, and practical guidance for unpaid carers across the UK.
Mind — https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/helping-someone-else/carers-friends-family-coping-support/
Offers mental health information, helplines, and local services, including support relevant to carers experiencing stress, anxiety, or burnout.
NHS Carers Support
Local NHS and local authority carers services can offer carers’ assessments, signposting, and practical support. Availability varies by area, but carers have a right to request an assessment.
Rethink Mental Illness – Carers Hub — https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/carers-hub/
Information and guidance for carers supporting someone with mental illness, including rights and practical support.

Carols, Community and the Quiet Strength of Carers – Reflections from the Carers UK Christmas Service 2025

By Matthew McKenzie

On 4th December 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Service of Christmas Carols and Readings for Carers UK (for their 60th anniversary) at The King’s Chapel of the Savoy.

As many will know, Carers UK is a national charity that offers advice, information, and advocacy for unpaid carers, people who look after a family member or friend due to illness, disability, mental health challenges or frailty.

Their work is vital and ranges from campaigning for carers’ rights, to shaping policy, to providing emotional and practical support.

As someone who has spent years amplifying carers’ voices, and as someone who has been a carer myself, I always find moments like this grounding. They remind me that carers are so often hidden and deserve spaces of recognition, reflection, and community.

I couldnt capture the whole event, so a lot of it is from memory,

The King’s Chapel of the Savoy, with its royal heritage and intimate atmosphere, felt like the perfect place for such a service. The carved wood, the vivid ceiling, the echo of voices old and new it all contributed to an environment where carers could feel honoured rather than overlooked.

A Service That Told carer Stories

The order of service blended scripture, poetry, classic carols, and carers’ own words. Each part spoke to a different dimension of caring, love, sacrifice, resilience, loss, hope.

Here is a clear, concise list of the Carers UK Christmas Carol Service Order, based on the programme you shared.

Some of the order of Service – Carers UK Christmas Carols and Readings

Carol – Once in Royal David’s City
Welcome & The Bidding Prayer by The Revd Canon Thomas Woodhouse MA
Welcome on Behalf of Carers UK by Helen Walker, Chief Executive
Gospel According to Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 8–20 Reader: Rt Hon Sir Ed Davey MP
Reading – Gospel According to Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 1–7, Reader: The Rt Rev Rob Wickham
Reading – Extract from A Christmas Carol, Reader: Jaycee La Bouche, a carer
The Blessing by The Revd Canon Thomas Woodhouse MA

Below are some reflections on the elements that struck me the most, based on the transcript provided.

I started noting down things when hearing the classic Clement Clarke Moore poem brought a sense of nostalgia and gentleness. For many carers, Christmas isn’t always restful, it can be emotionally heavy or practically demanding. Yet this reading reminded me of the grounding power of tradition.

There was also a Carer’s Poem – “I Carried Him” (Martin Seare), which was read by Tiggy Walker. The poem captured something familiar to many carers, which is the sense of being the energy source behind someone else’s survival. The feeling of being nurse, advocate, motivator, protector, and emotional anchor, all at once.

Jaycee’s reading from A Christmas Carol brought a heartfelt authenticity to the service, grounding Dickens’ message of compassion in real lived experience. Hearing a carer deliver those words reminded me how powerfully stories of renewal that echo the emotional journeys many carers navigate every day.

We also heard an extract from A Christmas Carol, where hearing Dickens’ words about Scrooge’s transformation felt fitting. Carers often live in a world full of systems that need to “wake up” to their realities, these systems overdue for compassion and change.

There was another Carer’s Poem – “Hands That Once Held Me” (Aaliyah O’Neill), which was read by Pippa Haywood. This poem honoured the emotional labour that accompanies caring, the grief, the patience, the love that persists through fading timelines and shifting identities.

Walking around after the service, we were provided with wine and mince pies (I could only handle one glass of mine), but ate a lot of mince pies. I also noticed on a nearby table, beautifully wrapped with red ribbon, were copies of books written by individuals deeply connected to the world of caring.

Tiggy Walker’s Both Sides Now offered a tender, candid exploration of love, loss, and the emotional realities of caring, while Why I Care highlighted personal reflections on the value and challenges of supporting others by Sir Ed Davy. Seeing these books at the event felt fitting, they extended the service’s message by giving carers stories they could see themselves in, learn from, and feel strengthened by.

Carols – Collective Voice, Collective Strength

Carols like “Once in Royal David’s City,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” took on added meaning.

Singing these in chapel reminded me that carers often feel alone, but they are part of a much larger story. Carols have always been about shared experience, hope, and unity. That unity was felt strongly throughout the chapel.

A Blessing for Carers

Towards the end, The Revd Canon Thomas Woodhouse offered prayers acknowledging:

those who care
those who are cared for
those who grieve
those who find joy in service
those who struggle silently

What the Service Meant to Me as a Carer

I left the event feeling the followng:

Being Seen

Carers rarely hear their stories reflected back to them with such respect. This service did that.

Connected

Being surrounded by fellow carers, supporters, faith leaders, and advocates reminded me that we are not navigating these challenges alone.

Renewed

Christmas can be difficult for many carers, i am running a few carer groups to reduce isolation, but this service offered a moment to pause, reflect, and recharge spiritually and emotionally.

Motivated

Each poem and reading reinforced why I continue to campaign and raise awareness: because carers’ lives, struggles, and contributions must be brought into public consciousness.

Final Thoughts

The Carers UK Christmas Service wasn’t just a festive gathering, it was a space that lifted the voices and experiences of carers into the light.

Carers UK continues to be a champion for those who give so much of themselves. And events like this remind us that recognition, community, and hope are powerful gifts.

I left the chapel gratefull for the stories shared, for the solidarity felt, and for the reminder that carers are, and always have been, at the heart of what makes our communities truly compassionate.

BONUS : A small tour of the chapel.

History in the Woodwork: Discovering the Stories Behind the Savoy Chapel’s Symbols

One unexpected part of attending the Carers UK Christmas Service at The King’s Chapel of the Savoy was the opportunity to explore some of the chapel’s remarkable historical artefacts. As a carer and someone who works in carer advocacy, I often reflect on continuity on how the past shapes the present. Walking around the chapel, I realised the walls were not just decorative; they were storytellers.

These objects and emblems remind us that the Savoy Chapel is a living part of royal, national, and personal history. And in many ways, the quiet endurance reflected in these items echoes the resilience of carers across the country.

1. The Heraldic Plaques on the Chapel Walls

Along the wooden panelled walls were beautifully detailed heraldic plaques, each representing past members or senior figures associated with the Royal Victorian Order or individuals linked to the chapel’s long history of royal service.

The Royal Victorian Order was established in 1896 by Queen Victoria as a way of personally recognising service to the monarch. That personal element, service based on loyalty, commitment, and relationship. That i felt especially meaningful as someone attending the Carers UK event.

Each plaque typically includes:

A coat of arms, with symbols representing the individual’s heritage, achievements, or values.
A Latin motto, often referencing duty, honour, or faith.
A record of rank or title, showing how the person was tied to the Crown or Order.

Standing before these plaques, I was reminded that service, whether to the Crown or to a loved one is always part of a bigger human story.

2. The Book of Remembrance

Displayed under protective glass, the Book of Remembrance is one of the most moving artefacts in the Savoy Chapel. It is handwritten and illuminated in a traditional style, much like medieval manuscripts.

The book honours individuals connected to the chapel, recording their names, contributions, and sometimes short dedications. Every entry is crafted with care, respecting the memory of those who served their communities or the Royal Household.

3. The Stalls with Coats of Arms of Officers and Servants of the Order

In the choir stalls, more coats of arms decorate the woodwork. These represent officers, registrars, chaplains, and others who have served the Royal Victorian Order over the decades.

Each shield is different, but together they form a visual tapestry of dedication. They signal continuity across generations much like how caring roles pass through families, communities, and time.

You can almost imagine the individuals who once occupied these seats, each carrying out their duties with diligence. Their heraldry remains here as a testament to lives spent in service.

4. The Mantle and Insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order

One of the most striking displays was the ceremonial mantle worn by a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO). The deep blue and crimson robe, gold tassels, and the star emblem reflect the highest grade of this honour.

The mantle’s presence is not merely decorative:

The GCVO is awarded personally by the monarch, not via government recommendation.
It recognises exceptional service to the Crown.
The Star, Badge, and Collar each represent centuries-old tradition.

5. The Royal Victorian Order and Medal Display

This framed display explains the different grades of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO) and shows examples of the insignia, including:

Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCVO)
Knight/Dame Commander (KCVO/DCVO)
Commander (CVO)
Lieutenant (LVO)
Member (MVO)
Royal Victorian Medal (RVM) in Gold, Silver, and Bronze

The RVM is unique because it honours personal service by staff who support the Royal Household directly, often throughout a lifetime. The photos in the display include historical figures wearing the ribbons and badges, underscoring the order’s strong ties to loyalty and lifelong commitment.

Why These Artefacts Mattered at a Carers Event

These historical items weren’t just museum pieces; they told a story of service, loyalty, remembrance, and quiet strength. I think in that sense, they perfectly framed the Carers UK Christmas Service.

Southwark Family & Carers Event at the Maudsley!

By Matthew McKenzie, Chair of the Triangle of Care Community Group

Supporting someone with mental health challenges can be both rewarding and demanding. That’s why it’s so important for families and carers to have spaces where they can connect, share experiences, and find out about the support available to them.

South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) will be hosting a special event for the family and carers of anyone using the services of Southwark community mental health teams, inpatient, or crisis services.

This free, drop-in event offers a relaxed and welcoming environment where families and carers can meet staff, learn more about how services work, and discover the support available to them.

🌈 Event Details

📅 Wednesday 26th November
🕓 4–7 PM
📍 The Maudsley Canteen
💷 Free of charge – drop in anytime

What to Expect

Opportunities to speak directly with staff from Southwark’s mental health teams
Information stalls offering resources and advice
Workshops focused on wellbeing and caring
Food & refreshments provided throughout the evening
Massages to help you relax
A choir performance to lift your spirits

This event is all about community, connection, and care – a chance to recognise the vital role families and carers play in supporting mental health recovery and wellbeing.

If you’re a carer, family member, or friend supporting someone under Southwark’s services, please do come along. It’s an opportunity not only to learn and unwind, but to feel appreciated and supported.

For more information, you can contact:
📧 David.Meyrick@slam.nhs.uk

Filming My Story as a Carer with Specsavers Carers Hub

Today I had the opportunity to be interviewed for the Specsavers Carers Hub, a platform that shares real stories, advice, and support for those who dedicate their lives to caring. It was a chance to reflect not only on my role as a carer but also on the deeper themes of healing, connection, and creativity that shape my journey.

Telling My Story

As someone with lived experience of caring for my mother and brothers, I know first-hand how demanding and emotional the role of an unpaid carer can be. I shared their story through my words and memories.

Speaking on camera about my caring role reminded me why visibility matters. Carers often go unseen, yet carer voices hold the power to inspire change, raise awareness, and remind others that they are not alone.

The Importance of Self-Healing

One of the most important parts of my journey has been recognising the need for self-care and self-healing. Carers often put the needs of others before their own, but to continue supporting loved ones, we must nurture our own wellbeing. Whether through reflection, community, or creative outlets, finding ways to heal is not selfish.

Connecting with Carers

During the interview, I spoke about the importance of connection. Meeting other carers, whether through groups, campaigns from Carers UK, or online spaces, brings a sense of solidarity. I wont say much about the interview, you will need to watch the video when it is released.

The Power of Poetry and Words

For me, poetry has always been a form of healing. Writing and performing allows me to give shape to emotions that are often hard to express. In the beginning of my caring journey, words were painful, but after a while words can be medicine they can validate, soothe, and inspire both writer and listener.

A Special Thanks to Specsavers

I couldn’t end without mentioning the role my Specsavers glasses played in my journey. Whether it’s writing late into the night, reading the works that inspire me, or standing up to perform poetry, my glasses have been an essential tool.

To check out previous carer stories, please viset the Specsavers Carers Hub below.

https://www.youtube.com/@SpecsaversCarersHub

Keep an eye out for the latest set of videos from Specsavers Carers hub

Healing Through Words: Poetry Workshop at West Ealing Library – 18th September

By Matthew McKenzie – Carer poet and Carer activist

On the 18th of September, West Ealing Library once again became a hub of creativity, reflection, and connection as carers gathered for our second poetry workshop. Guided by carer activist and writer Matthew McKenzie, the session offered not just writing prompts, but a safe and supportive space to explore the healing power of words.

Poetry as Expression and Healing

The morning began with Matthew sharing his personal journey from caring for his mother living with schizophrenia, to writing books on mental health and carer experiences, and now using poetry as a tool for both advocacy and self-expression.

For many carers, life can feel isolating, exhausting, and invisible to wider society. Poetry offered participants a way to give voice to those emotions. As I reminded carers, “Poetry gives shape to what’s hard to say” — even if it’s just a few lines scribbled on paper, those words can carry truth, comfort, and even influence change.

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Celebrating Unpaid Carers – A Night of Recognition

By Matthew McKenzie – Carer champion

On Friday 12th September 2025, I had the privilege of attending Abilities Development’s Awards Night: Celebrating Unpaid Carers at The Grange in London. The event was a moving and powerful reminder of the sacrifices, love, and resilience shown by unpaid carers across our communities.

The event was hosted by founder Dr Karen May, who spoke passionately about the vision to celebrate and support unpaid carers. The evening also included tributes from fellow carers sharing their lived experiences, moving reflections on the sacrifices and strength carers show daily, and recognition from community leaders.

As many of you know, unpaid carers often go unseen, their daily contributions hidden behind closed doors. Yet they carry the heavy responsibilities of looking after loved ones with compassion and strength, often without formal recognition. This event was different, it put carers at the centre, reminding us all that their efforts matter and deserve to be celebrated.

We were given a tour of the facilities available for unpaid carers and their loved ones to us.

One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of awards and certificates to unpaid carers. Each recipient was honoured with a Certificate of Honour in Caregiving, recognising their unconditional love, tireless dedication, and the invaluable role they play in supporting their loved ones without financial reward or formal recognition.

The evening, attended by the Mayor of Brent and other distinguished guests, was filled with speeches that spoke to the heart of caregiving, its challenges, its emotional toll, but also its incredible strength. One message that stood out was that carers must not forget their own worth and wellbeing. As was beautifully said on the night: “You are important. Take moments for yourself so you can rejuvenate, be well, and stay healthy.”

I was truly honoured to receive a Certificate of Honour in Caregiving myself. This certificate recognised the unconditional love and tireless dedication of carers who, without pay or recognition, give their heart, time, and energy to provide comfort, dignity, and hope. Holding it in my hands was not just a personal moment of pride, but also a reminder of the countless carers whose work too often goes unnoticed

Events like these are not “just another event.” They are opportunities to create legacies and spaces where carers are not only seen but also valued, uplifted, and supported. They are about passing on the message to future generations that caring is not a burden, but a profound act of humanity.

As someone who has long campaigned for carers’ voices, I want to encourage others to support, promote, and attend events like this. Whether it’s through organisations like Abilities Development, local carer networks, or even small community groups, recognising unpaid carers is vital.

To every unpaid carer reading this: you are a quiet hero. Every sleepless night, every whispered prayer, every act of kindness you show it matters. You matter.

Carers can book to use The Grange by contacting Abilities Development directly. Whether it’s for a quiet space to reflect, joining a carers’ group, or making use of tailored support services, The Grange offers a safe environment built around compassion and community.

Email: admin@abilitiesdevelopment.com

Voices of Mental Health Carers: Poetry & Stories

The Power of Poetry and Storytelling in the Lives of Carers

Caring for a loved one with mental health challenges or chronic illness is a journey marked by both hardship and hope. Too often, the voices of carers those who provide unpaid, tireless support are overlooked in the broader conversation about health and wellbeing. Yet, as this moving gathering of carers and poets reveals, storytelling and poetry can be transformative tools for connection, healing, and advocacy. So it was an honour to host our first poetry event at Cygnet Churchill for the 13th of June during Carers Week 2025

This Blog explores the themes, experiences, and creative expressions shared by carers, drawing from a vibrant community event centered on poetry, storytelling, and the lived realities of those who care. Through their words, we gain insight into the emotional landscape of caring, the challenges faced, and the resilience that emerges when stories are shared.

To watch the performance, please view the video below.

Giving Carers a Voice: The Motivation Behind the Book

The host of the event was myself (Matthew McKenzie), as a prolific author and advocate, where I have dedicated my eighth book to amplifying the voices of mental health carers. For me, books are more than just a means of communication they are a way to reach people who might otherwise remain unheard.

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Cygnet National Carers Event – Carers Week 2025

By Matthew McKenzie, Carer Ambassador, Cygnet Health Care

On Friday 13th June 2025, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at Cygnet Health Care’s National Carers Event, hosted at Cygnet Churchill in Lambeth, London. The event brought together carers, staff, professionals, and advocates to reflect on the vital role of unpaid carers who step up daily out of love, resilience, and responsibility, often with little recognition.

Carers Week is always a powerful reminder that caring touches us all – and Cygnet’s event this year was especially moving and informative. It offered a platform for carers to share their lived experience, influence policy, and strengthen our collective voice.

Agenda Highlights

The day opened with a warm welcome from Laura Sheridan & Shane Mills, setting the tone for a day grounded in empathy and collaboration. We heard from a range of speakers including:

Susan Hartnell-Beavis, sharing practical tools for supporting carers.
Kate Mercer and Carly Ellicott, who both championed carer involvement in care planning and research.
John Bangs OBE, who brought a national perspective on carer rights and policy.
Dr Angela Misra, who tackled the health implications of caregiving.
Julian de Takats and Matthew McKenzie (myself), focusing on empowering carers’ voices.
We also had insights from Dr Henk Swanepoel & Sophie Borg, who presented on collaborative approaches with carers in mental health services.

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West London NHS Carers Event at the Irish Cultural Centre — A Community United

Written by: Matthew McKenzie – WLHT co-facilitator of ethnic carer group and Triangle of Care Community Chair

The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith was filled with warmth and purpose on June 12th, as carers, professionals, and community leaders came together for the West London NHS Trust’s Carers Event in support of Carers Week 2025.

As Chair of the Triangle of Care Community and an involved carer for West London NHS Trust, I was interested in the carers conversations, and sense of solidarity among all those present.

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Celebrating Carers Week 2025: Ealing and Hillingdon Community Come Together

On Tuesday, 10th June 2025, the Dominion Centre in Southall hosted a vibrant and deeply informative Carers Week Celebration.

Organised by the Ealing Carers Partnership and supported by various local organisations, the event honoured unpaid carers with a day of connection, education, and appreciation.

Carers Week 2025: Caring About Equality

This year’s theme, Caring About Equality, highlighted the challenges faced by unpaid carers, particularly those from marginalised communities and called for fair access to services, recognition, and support.

The event was a powerful reminder that equality means meeting people where they are and valuing every carer’s contribution.

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