By Matthew McKenzie – Carers UK Ambassador, chair of South London Carers Forum
On Thursday 15 October 2026, I attended the World Mental Health Day Fair at King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill. Organised by the hospital’s Vulnerabilities Team, the event brought together organisations sharing information about mental health, wellbeing, recovery and community support.
I was there as a Carers UK Ambassador and facilitator of the South London Mental Health Carers Forum. For me, attending these events comes from personal experience. Having cared for my late mother, who lived with schizophrenia, I know how much responsibility families can carry, and how easily their own needs can go unnoticed.
By Matthew McKenzie – Carer Activist and Carer Advocate
On 8 September 2026, I had the honour of attending the DUALITY event at King’s College London, held at Bush House.
The event was a research and public/community engagement event connected to the INTERCEPTION study, based in King’s Department of Global Health & Social Medicine, within the School of Global Affairs / Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy.
There was a packed agenda, which I have shown below.
Registration, refreshments and photo exhibition — Attendees arrived, had refreshments and had an opportunity to look around the community photography exhibition.
Welcome and introduction to DUALITY — The organisers introduced the event and its focus on ageing, ethnicity, health and experiences of living with multiple long-term conditions.
Research Panel: Ethnicity, Ageing and Health — Researchers discussed work exploring inequalities and experiences at the intersection of ethnicity, ageing, health and multiple long-term conditions.
King’s Sport & Wellness energiser — Attendees were invited to take part in accessible seated stretches and movement exercises.
Human Library — Attendees could “borrow” Living Books for short conversations, hearing personal stories intended to build understanding, foster empathy and challenge assumptions. My Living Book was “The Carer They Didn’t See.”
Community information booths — Organisations and community representatives provided information and resources. This was also where I supported the Carers UK stall.
DUALITY Photography Exhibition — Photographs used visual storytelling to explore support, health, ageing and lived experience. My photograph “The Carer They Didn’t See” was included in the exhibition.
Photography Competition Awards — Winners of the DUALITY Photography Competition were announced, with “The Carer They Didn’t See” selected as one of the winning entries.
Creative performance — The programme included a creative lived-experience performance exploring identity, Caribbean heritage, racism, family, memory and culture.
Keeping Fit with Multiple Long-Term Conditions — This discussion brought professional and lived-experience perspectives together to explore chronic conditions, exercise, confidence and wellbeing.
Dinner and networking — The evening concluded with food and an opportunity for attendees, researchers, community groups and people with lived experience to connect.
This was quite a different event for me. I have attended many conferences, workshops and involvement events over the years as an unpaid carer, carer advocate and speaker. This time, however, I wasn’t simply attending or presenting.
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.
Written by Matthew McKenzie, Speaker, Carer, Campaigner and Poet
As part of Carers Week 2026, I had the privilege of travelling 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, carers’ organisations, NHS representatives, local authority leaders, health professionals, community groups and carers from across East Sussex to discuss the realities of caring and identify ways to improve support for unpaid carers.
The event was hosted by Dr Neil Churchill, Chair of Care for the Carers, who guided the day’s discussions and emphasised the vital role carers play in society. Throughout the day, carers shared their personal stories, experiences and recommendations directly with decision-makers and service providers.
By Matthew McKenzie – Carer, Author, Poet and Host of the Carers UK Information Stall 10 June 2026, Perceval House, Ealing
As a carer myself, supporting both of my brothers, I understand that caring is often a role we never planned for, yet one we embrace out of love, duty and commitment. It can be rewarding, but it can also be isolating, exhausting and overwhelming. That is why events such as the Carers Week Celebration 2026, organised by Ealing Carers Partnership, Ealing Carers Hub and Ealing Council, are so important.
I think it reminds us that carers matter, that our voices are heard and that we are not alone.
Having the privilege of hosting the Carers UK information stall, while also attending as a carer, poet and author, I witnessed first-hand the incredible sense of community that filled Perceval House throughout the day.
The event brought together carers, professionals, charities, community organisations and council representatives for a celebration that was both informative and inspiring. Alongside the opportunity to gather information and advice, carers enjoyed complimentary refreshments, free manicures from students of Uxbridge College, artwork exhibitions and the chance to connect with others who truly understand the caring journey.
By Matthew McKenzie – Carer UK ambassador and volunteer
As proud volunteer with Carers UK and Carers Trust, and alongside healthcare teams in hospitals supporting unpaid carers and families. I want to take a moment to recognise the incredible contribution volunteers make every single day.
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026, across our communities, volunteers give their time, skills, compassion, and energy to help others, often without seeking recognition. Their impact is immeasurable.
For me, volunteering is about making a difference, no matter how small. Sometimes it is providing information and advice to a carer who feels overwhelmed. Sometimes it is speaking up for those whose voices are not being heard. Sometimes it is simply listening. These acts of kindness can change lives.
As carers, many of us already give so much of ourselves to support loved ones. Yet volunteering can also be a powerful way to create change, build connections, and strengthen our communities. It reminds us that we are not alone and that together we can make a positive impact.
Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026 has begun, and this year’s theme is Community a reminder that no one should face an eating disorder alone.
Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and body sizes. They include anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder (BED) and other specified feeding and eating disorders. Despite how common they are, stigma and misunderstanding still prevent many people from seeking help early.
Community plays a vital role in changing that.
In recognition of Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026, I have shared a video raising awareness about:
You can watch the full awareness video here:
Recovery is not something most people achieve in isolation. It happens through connection through families, friends, carers, clinicians, workplaces, schools and peer networks coming together to provide support, understanding and hope.
Supporting someone with an eating disorder can be emotionally exhausting and overwhelming. Unpaid carers, parents, partners and loved ones often carry an invisible weight. This week is also about recognising their role and ensuring they, too, have access to support and community.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please remember: help is available, and recovery is possible.
This Eating Disorders Awareness Week, let’s strengthen our communities, challenge stigma, and ensure no one struggles alone.
Beat Eating Disorders UK’s leading eating disorder charity. Helpline, youthline, online support groups and carer support. 📞 Helpline: 0808 801 0677 🌐 https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
BAATN (Black, African & Asian Therapy Network) Directory of qualified therapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean heritage. 🌐 https://www.baatn.org.uk
Muslim Youth Helpline Faith-sensitive support for young Muslims. 📞 0808 808 2008 🌐 https://www.myh.org.uk
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline Support for LGBTQ+ individuals. 📞 0300 330 0630 🌐 https://switchboard.lgbt
Walking into the RCN PSI Alumni Conference at Cowdray Hall on that crisp November morning, I felt a mix of pride, gratitude, and curiosity. It’s been many years since I first began speaking at RCN events like this, yet every time feels new because each gathering brings together nurses, carers, service users, and leaders who continue to shape the future of mental health care.
Before I continue to describe the event, let me sum up the Royal College of Nursing PSI programme. Basically the Psychosocial Interventions (PSI) programme is a nationally recognised training initiative designed to strengthen therapeutic skills of mental health professionals and embed recovery-focused, relationship-based care across services.
The PSI program is rooted in the principles of collaboration, reflection, co-production and empowerment, PSI equips practitioners with practical tools to support individuals experiencing mental distress, while also valuing the insight of carers and families.
I think what makes PSI stand out is its emphasis on seeing people beyond their diagnosis and fostering empathy, curiosity, and shared understanding between nurses, service users, and carers.
At the start of the conference and during it, I spoke to a few nurses over coffee, each reflecting on how PSI had shaped their practice one mental health nurse told me it had helped her “find her voice again.” For me, as a carer with lived experience, it was great to witness this sense of renewal. It reminded me why collaboration between professionals and lived experience communities is so essential.
Around 10 a.m., Catherine Gamble formally opened the event, setting a tone of gratitude and shared learning. Her introduction reminded us how much the alumni network had grown and how lived experience was now firmly part of the PSI culture.
As someone with lived experience of caring for my mum, who lived with schizophrenia, I approached the events not just as an observer but as someone deeply invested in the stories and struggles that bring us together as a triangle.
When I was invited to open the event and share my reflections as a carer, I knew I wanted to do more than talk about carers, I wanted to speak for them, and with them.
My Opening Talk – “The Nurses Who Walk With Us”
Standing at the podium, looking out at rows of passionate mental health nurses and lived experience, I began with gratitude. My words were simple but heartfelt:
“This is really about the nurses who walk with us, the ones who move beyond the labels, beyond the charts, and see the person, not the problem.”
I read a poem I had written to honour the compassion and resilience of those in the room a piece I called The Nurses Who Walk With Us.
The poem spoke about presence, about listening, and about the small acts of care that ripple into great change.
After my talk, I was moved by the warmth of the response. Many came up to share how my words mirrored their experiences or reminded them of why they came into nursing. That moment of connection that shared understanding set the tone for the day.
The Locksmiths Animation and Alumni Showcase
Following our opening session, Ellie Gordon and Stephen Jones launched the new animation “We Are the Locksmiths.” The film poetically portrayed mental health nurses as key-cutters shaping, adapting, and helping people find the right fit for recovery.
Watching it, I was struck by how accurately it captured the emotional labour of care, the balancing of vulnerability, patience, and professionalism
Next we had the Mentimeter session that morning, which was led by Professor Sally Hardy. She guided participants through reflective wellbeing questions using the interactive Mentimeter tool, encouraging everyone to think about how to sustain personal and professional wellbeing in mental health practice. Sally’s session wasn’t just about gathering feedback
Afterwards, the Alumni and Facilitators’ “Show and Tell Time” began. Groups from Sheffield NHS Trust, Sussex Mental Health Partnership, Lancashire Mental Health NHS trust, and Hereford NHS Trust sharing creative projects and reflections from their PSI practice. There were posters, poems, and community initiatives that had grown directly from the training. I wandered around the tables, speaking with participants who described how PSI had changed their teams. I think One mental health nurse told me, “We stopped seeing interventions as techniques and started seeing them as relationships.” It was inspiring
Workshop One – Working Together in Risk and Safety
After refreshments, we broke into workshops. I joined Workshop One: Lived Experience and Co-Production – Utilising Our Expertise, led by Hannah Cadogan and colleagues. It was energising to see lived experienced and mental health nurses working side by side.
I spoke about what co-production really means from a carer’s point of view. I shared my journey as someone who has cared for a family member living with schizophrenia and another with autism, and how those experiences taught me the importance of being included as an equal partner in care.
I explained that carers often hold a deep understanding of the person they support insights that can make a real difference if professionals take the time to listen and involve us from the start, not as an afterthought. Drawing on my work with Carers UK, the Carers Trust, and the Triangle of Care as many nurses from the mental health trusts were members of triangle of care programme., I spoke about how true co-production is built on trust, openness, and shared learning.
We discussed barriers time, fear, power differences but also solutions, like embedding co-production in supervision and reflective practice.
In this session, the discussion turned to how we can meaningfully involve carers and service users in planning safety not as tick-box exercises, but as genuine collaborations. I found myself reflecting on my own experiences of sitting in meetings where decisions were made about my mum rather than with us.
Hearing the nurses speak so openly about their challenges about time pressures, fear of getting it wrong, and the emotional toll of risk reminded me that we’re all human in this process. True co-production means sharing not only responsibility but also vulnerability.
One participant spoke about the importance of patience: “We’re not here to fix; we’re here to find a way in.” That line stayed with me. It echoed my own philosophy that care starts with listening, not solving.
By the end of the workshop, we agreed that co-produced safety isn’t about removing risk; it’s about building trust so we can face risk together.
Workshop Two – Co-Production and Carer Involvement
Lunch provided another opportunity for networking. The Mental Health Forum stand and MHP stall displayed resources on psychosocial practice.
I met others who had recently completed the course.
Conversations were open, curious, and full of mutual respect the kind of professional empathy that sustains hope in challenging work.
After lunch we heard from Professor Nicola Ranger, RCN General Secretary, who welcomed everyone back, commending the alumni for sustaining PSI’s legacy. Her words “you are the custodians of compassion” perfectly captured the spirit of the day.
The evaluation session of the RCN PSI Alumni Conference was presented in partnership with London South Bank University (LSBU), who have been key academic collaborators in examining the outcomes and long-term impact of the Psychosocial Interventions (PSI) programme. This section was introduced by Stephen Jones, and Professor Chris Flood, a leading figure in mental health nursing and research at LSBU.
Together, they outlined how LSBU’s evaluation seeks to capture not just the quantitative outcomes of PSI such as improved confidence and competence among practitioners but also the qualitative stories of change, growth, and compassion that the alumni community embodies.
There will be several teams at LSBU, but I was impressed on the make up of the Advisory and Supervisory Team provides academic oversight and strategic direction.
Professor Patrick Callaghan, Professor of Mental Health Science at LSBU, offers extensive expertise in psychosocial interventions and nursing research leadership.
Professor Chris Flood, a leading mental health and adult nurse researcher, specialises in health economics, survey design, and qualitative inquiry.
Professor Neil Brimblecombe, Professor of Mental Health and Learning Disability, contributes his expertise in workforce development, nurse prescribing, and policy analysis linking the PSI evaluation to broader NHS workforce strategies.
Professor Eddie Chaplin, an expert in intellectual disabilities and psychosocial interventions, supports the development of inclusive frameworks for peer support, guided self-help, and service co-production.
Afternoon workshop
In the afternoon, I attended Workshop Three: Working Together in Risk – Co-Production, Suicide and Personalised Safety. It was deeply emotional. We discussed how carers can be crucial in early warning and safety planning, but only if professionals create safe spaces for them to speak. The workshop was presented by Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trus
During the workshop, we took part in reflective exercises that encouraged us to consider what “shared safety” truly means. We were asked to think of times when communication broke down between families, patients and professionals, and how different outcomes might have been possible if trust and collaboration had been stronger.
Celebrating Archievements
Those who finished the RCN PSI programm were presented with a RCN PSI alumni badge, which i felt was a small but powerful symbol of commitment, compassion, and continued learning. For many, receiving that badge wasn’t just about completing a programme; it represented belonging to a network that values empathy, partnership, and the courage to keep improving mental health care together.
Reflections and Looking Ahead
As the day drew to a close, we took a quiet moment to reflect. Conferences like this are not just about learning they are about belonging. They remind me that, while the caring role can often feel isolating, there is a wider network of understanding and solidarity.
I missed out a lot more that took place at the alumni event, but watch out for more exciting news from the RCN in future.
To find out more about the RCN PSI Progamme, click link below.
By Matthew McKenzie – Carer activist (volunteer of Carers UK)
Last night I attended the Mary Webster Lecture at Apothecaries’ Hall in London, a special event marking Carers UK’s 60th anniversary. As someone who has cared for family members and now volunteers with Carers UK, it was moving to sit among other carers, professionals, and campaigners who have worked so hard for recognition and equality.
The event honoured Reverend Mary Webster, the founder of Carers UK, whose vision decades ago helped lay the foundations for unpaid carers’ rights. Today, as we still fight for equality and understanding, her legacy feels more important than ever.
Setting the Scene
Apothecaries’ Hall is a grand, historic space filled with portraits and a sense of tradition. But it also felt like the right place to discuss change how we can build a future where carers are respected and supported equally. The evening began with warm welcomes and reflections from Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK. She reminded us that while progress has been made, many unpaid carers still live in poverty, often earning less than the minimum wage for full-time dedication.
Then came the highlight of the evening a talk by The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London and recently named Archbishop of Canterbury Designate, in conversation with Baroness Jill Pitkeathley OBE, long-time carer champion and former Carers UK CEO.
Dignity in Caring
Bishop Sarah spoke with warmth and honesty about her journey from nursing to the Church. What struck me most was her story about washing her grandmother’s feet when she was a young nurse, which a simple act that carried deep dignity. She used that image to describe caring itself: often quiet, unseen, but filled with compassion and humanity.
Her message was clear that care is about dignity. Every person, regardless of ability, age, or background, has value. She reminded us that dependency isn’t weakness it’s part of being human. We all depend on others at different points in our lives.
As a Black male carer, that message really resonated. In many of our communities, caring happens quietly, often behind closed doors, without recognition or support. Bishop Sarah’s words reminded me that this invisible work deserves to be seen and respected not just by policy makers, but by society as a whole.
Lessons on Equality and Faith
Baroness Pitkeathley joined Bishop Sarah for a deep conversation about equality today and tomorrow. They reflected on how far carers’ rights have come and how far we still have to go. From health and financial struggles to workplace inequality, many of the same challenges from the 1990s remain today.
Bishop Sarah also spoke about the Church’s Reimagining Care Commission, which calls for a new “covenant of care” a moral agreement between government, communities, and families to share responsibility for those who need care. It’s not just about services, but about values: compassion, respect, and community.
Hearing that from someone soon to become the Archbishop of Canterbury gave me hope. It felt like a recognition that faith, ethics, and social justice must go hand in hand.
Voices from the Floor
The Q&A that followed was emotional and powerful. Carers from the audience spoke up about their struggles housing, mental health, disability, and the loneliness that caring can bring.
One carer shared the pain of fighting for proper housing for her disabled son; another spoke about the toll on her own health. Each voice reminded me that caring is more than statistics it’s real people doing extraordinary things every day, often without support.
My Reflection as a Black Carer Activist
As I looked around the room, I thought of the carers in Black and ethnic minority communities who face extra barriers language, stigma, or fear of not being understood. Too often, our voices are missing from the conversation. I decided to have a chat with Dame Sarah Mullally about my thoughts, still nights like this show that inclusion is possible, and necessary.
Equality for carers means also recognising our diversity on different cultures, faiths, and family structures and ensuring that every carer can access the help they need, without judgement or struggle.
I left the event feeling encouraged but also challenged. Encouraged by the leadership and compassion of women like Bishop Sarah and Baroness Pitkeathley, who continue to champion carers’ rights. Challenged, because the journey isn’t over and each of us, whatever our background, has a role to play.
A Call for Tomorrow
Sixty years after Mary Webster founded Carers UK, unpaid carers are still holding society together.
We save the country billions, yet too many of us live in hardship. As Bishop Sarah said, we must rethink how we value care not as a cost, but as a cornerstone of our humanity.
For me, as a carer activist, that means continuing to speak up, share stories, and bring carers from all communities together. Because equality today and tomorrow starts with being seen, heard, and valued.
By Matthew McKenzie – Carers UK volunteer & Ambassador
As a poet and carer of lived experienced, I always try and listen to other poets when I get the chance.
So on Tuesday 19 August 2025, I had the pleasure of attending the Carers UK Poetry Competition 2025 Celebration at the National Poetry Library, located on Level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall at London’s Southbank Centre.
Carers UK staff were welcoming guests, carers and poets who contributed to the Carers UK Poetry anthology to the event.
The event, hosted by Carers UK and led by Michael Shann, Head of Carer Support, which marked a very special milestone: the organisation’s 60th anniversary. It was an evening of reflection, creativity, and celebration, bringing together carers, poets, supporters, and friends to honour the voices of those who care for others.
For the year 2025, the poetry competition was themed “Caring, Family and Community”, with more than 270 entries submitted from across the country. The anthology launched on the night, Caring, Family and Community, where beautiful collection of poems capturing the emotions, challenges, and deep humanity at the heart of caring.
The programme included readings of winning, highly commended, and shortlisted poems. The anthology also features a preface by Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, and a foreword by Cheryl Moskowitz, Lead Competition Judge 2025.
The atmosphere at the National Poetry Library was warm and I was welcomed by many of the Carers UK team including Carers Scotland. Guests and poets enjoyed celebratory drinks and canapés while engaging in conversations about poetry, caring, and the power of creative expression.
The poetry book itself is thoughtfully arranged, beginning with featured poems before moving on to the winning, highly commended, and shortlisted entries, and ending with notes on the contributors. The poets performed their poems, each highlighting a different perspective on caring, family, and community, weaving together diverse voices into a powerful collective story.
One poem that particularly stood out to me was “Heart & Soul” by Alison Hull.
Heart and Soul by Alison Hull
Even though it’s new to me, I’m going to write a poem. I don’t know what to write, Or where it’s even going. But what I’m very clear of, Is you’ve taught me like no other. You make me very proud, To be your carer and your mother. We laugh at times and cry so much, And we’ve learnt a thing or two. I’ve met your needs, calmed your fears, Taken care of you. Little by little we get things done, Although it isn’t always easy. We take small steps, sometimes none, Resting up, If needs be. Your bravery inspires me, Your love for animals too. I try to understand, how life really is for you. The caring role’s a huge one, It can be isolating too. It helps to connect with others, Who know what we’re going through. So this is the end of my poem, But not of my caring role. That journey will continue, With all of my heart and soul.
When Alison recited it that evening, I felt it was clear that she spoke from the heart. Her words captured the tenderness and strength of caring. I felt the poem was well crafted.
For me personally, as a Carers UK volunteer and poet, it was inspiring to see how words can bring people together and shine a light on the experiences of carers.
Being able to attend, listen, and celebrate alongside others who share a passion for both caring and poetry was a privilege, so I was very thankful to be invited.
The Southbank Centre, with its iconic Royal Festival Hall, provided the perfect backdrop a cultural hub alive with creativity and community spirit.
Events like this remind us not only of the importance of caring, but also of the importance of telling our stories. Poetry gives voice to what can sometimes be invisible, and Carers UK continues to ensure those voices are heard.
I’d like to thank Michael Shann and the Carers UK team for organising such a meaningful evening, and for their ongoing commitment to supporting carers across the UK.
Here’s the updated section with the official website link included:
Becoming a Member of Carers UK
If you are a carer yourself, one of the most valuable steps you can take is to become a member of Carers UK. Membership is free and open to anyone caring for a family member, friend, or neighbour. By joining, you’ll gain access to:
A supportive community of carers who truly understand what you’re going through.
Regular updates, newsletters, and information on carers’ rights and support.
Invitations to events, workshops, and opportunities to share your story.
Resources and guidance to help you manage the challenges of caring.
Carers UK is not just an organisation as it’s a lifeline for many. By becoming a member, you can feel more connected, supported, and empowered in your caring role.
You can sign up easily via the Carers UK website: www.carersuk.org
