On February 25th, 2025, carers, professionals, and support organizations gathered at Tooley Street for a Carers event provided by Southwark Council. The event was developed by Sarah Bullman, Senior Policy and Strategy Lead for Adult Social Care over in Southwark. The event, hosted by Simon Rayner, provided an opportunity to connect, share updates, and explore ways to support carers in the community.
Key Highlights from the Event:
🔹 Carefree – Presented by Salil Meech Mazumdar, Carefree shared their work in providing much-needed short breaks and respite opportunities for unpaid carers, ensuring they have time to rest and recharge.
🔹 Southwark Carers – Sarah Bullman introduced Southwark Carers including Verinder CEO of Southwark Carers, an essential organization offering tailored advice, practical support, and advocacy for carers in the borough of Southwark.
🔹 Mobilise – A digital-first platform supporting carers, Mobilise was discussed in depth, highlighting how online peer support and coaching can help carers navigate their roles more effectively.
🔹 Imago – Known for their work in youth and adult carer services, Imago shared updates on their projects that focus on young carers, connecting them with resources and professional guidance.
🔹 Carers Hub/Centre – Southwark council focus on a new Carers Hub set for next year, where updates on focus groups and workshops on how the carers centre will be used for supporting unpaid carers.
The last section of the event was below
🔹 Voice of the Carer & Carer Empowerment – Chloe Harvey and Sarah Bullman provided updates on Southwark’s Carers Strategy, reinforcing the importance of carer voices in shaping policy.
Plus Matthew McKenzie, a well-known carer advocate, spoke passionately about listening to carers, empowering them, and ensuring co-production in decision-making. He also read moving excerpts from his book, The Poetry of Mental Health Caring, which resonated deeply with attendees.
The event concluded with a networking lunch, allowing attendees to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their collective efforts in supporting carers.
This forum was a powerful reminder that carers should never feel alone—there is a strong and growing community dedicated to uplifting and advocating for them. 💙
Welcome to a quick event review, which I attended on the 29th of January 2025. The event was James Longman’s book launch for The Inherited Mind was a deeply moving and insightful conversation about mental illness, personal struggle, and the power of community.
The event took place at Ladbroke Hall over in West London, where the evening included drinks and refreshments, for the much anticipated conversation with James and BBC News’ Tina Daheley.
Welcome to a blog post by carer activist Matthew McKenzie on promoting World Stroke Day 2024.
If you want to see the video on World Stroke day 2024, then please click on the link below.
Here you can learn about the importance of stroke prevention, recognition, and treatment. Discover key points on awareness, prevention, support for survivors, and global cooperation. Care tips for stroke survivors included.
Raising Awareness for World Stroke Day 2024
World Stroke Day 2024 is approaching, with the global health community marking October 29th on their calendars. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about stroke prevention, recognition, and treatment. The theme for this year is “#GreaterThanStroke,” emphasizing the importance of community support and encouraging active lifestyles to mitigate stroke risks. In this article, we will delve into the key aspects of this awareness campaign and provide valuable insights into stroke prevention and recovery.
Understanding the Importance of World Stroke Day
Understanding why World Stroke Day is significant is the first step in joining the movement for better stroke awareness and prevention. On this day, health organizations, caregivers, and stroke survivors come together to drive home the message that strokes can be prevented and managed effectively with the right knowledge and resources.
Raising Awareness
Raising awareness is paramount when it comes to stroke. Knowing the risk factors, recognizing the symptoms, and understanding the importance of quick medical intervention can save lives. Fast response to a stroke can significantly reduce the chances of long-term disabilities. Public education campaigns aim to arm everyone with the knowledge to act swiftly in the event of a stroke.
Stroke Prevention
Prevention is better than cure, and this holds particularly true for strokes. Making simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce an individual’s stroke risk.
Healthy Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for stroke prevention. Consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing salt, sugar, and saturated fats can help maintain a healthy weight and lower blood pressure, which are significant risk factors for strokes.
Regular Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity helps maintain cardiovascular health, reduces stress, and manages weight—all factors that contribute to a lower risk of stroke. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week.
Quitting Smoking
Smoking is a major risk factor for strokes as it damages blood vessels and increases blood pressure. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of a stroke.
Supporting Stroke Survivors
Supporting stroke survivors is as important as prevention. Advocating for resources, rehabilitation, and caregiver support can significantly improve the quality of life for stroke survivors.
Stroke-Related Changes
Stroke survivors often face numerous physical and cognitive changes that can impact their daily lives. Understanding these changes is essential for providing meaningful care.
Physical Limitations
Physical limitations such as weakness or paralysis, speech difficulties, and cognitive challenges like memory and problem-solving issues are common among stroke survivors. Recognizing these limitations helps in creating supportive environments and activities tailored to their capabilities.
Emotional Effects
Emotional effects such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings can also be prevalent. Being aware of these psychological challenges helps in offering compassionate support and understanding.
Assisting with Daily Activities
Simple tasks can become challenging for stroke survivors. Your support in daily living activities is invaluable. Assist with tasks like dressing, bathing, and eating to help them regain independence gradually.
Encouraging Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is key to recovery. Encouraging stroke survivors to stick to rehab routines can make a significant difference in their progress. Patience and consistent support are vital here.
Supporting Communication
Communication difficulties are common post-stroke. Helping stroke survivors express themselves and understand others better can alleviate frustrations and improve their overall well-being. Encourage the use of communication aids if necessary.
Promoting Emotional and Psychological Well-Being
Being there for stroke survivors emotionally and encouraging activities that boost their mood can greatly aid their rehabilitation. Social interactions and hobbies can enhance their quality of life.
Managing Health and Medical Care
Regular checkups and managing medications are crucial aspects of post-stroke care. Ensure that medical appointments are kept and medications are taken as prescribed to prevent secondary strokes and other health complications.
Adapting the Living Environment
Making the living environment safe and accessible is essential. This may involve installing grab bars, ramps, or rearranging furniture to facilitate easier movement and reduce fall risks.
Caring for Your Own Well-Being
As a caregiver, it is important to take care of your own well-being. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking time for yourself, seeking support when needed, and managing stress are crucial to sustaining your ability to provide care.
Long-Term Planning
Setting realistic goals together and celebrating every small victory is important for the long-term recovery of stroke survivors. Understand that recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. Patience and perseverance are key.
Encouraging Global Cooperation
Improving stroke prevention and care worldwide is a collective effort that requires community engagement, support from health care systems, and proactive policies from policymakers.
Engaging Communities
Communities play a significant role in raising awareness and providing support to stroke survivors. Local groups can organize events, workshops, and provide resources to educate the public about stroke risks and prevention strategies.
Health Care Systems
Health care systems must be equipped to provide timely and effective stroke care. This includes having trained personnel, appropriate infrastructure, and necessary medical supplies to treat strokes and support long-term rehabilitation.
Policy Makers
Policymakers have the power to enact changes that can improve stroke care and prevention. Advocating for policies that promote healthy lifestyles, fund stroke research, and support stroke care facilities can create significant positive impacts.
Conclusion
World Stroke Day 2024 is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a call to action, urging us all to contribute to reducing the global burden of stroke. By raising awareness, adopting healthier lifestyles, supporting stroke survivors, and fostering global cooperation, we can truly make this year’s theme “#GreaterThanStroke” a reality. Your support and actions play a crucial role in helping stroke survivors reclaim as much independence and joy as possible. Let’s come together to make a difference and ensure that stroke prevention and care continue to improve worldwide.
Welcome back to another blog post by carer activist Matthew McKenzie. I raise awareness of unpaid carers, mental health and cancer caregivers.
As of 27th of October. It is World Occupational Therapy Day. You can watch my video on promoting the awareness day below.
Celebrating World Occupational Therapy Day 2024: Promoting Independence and Building Resilient Communities
Introduction
The global community comes together to celebrate World Occupational Therapy (OT) Day. This annual event is not just a date on the calendar; it is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions of occupational therapists (OTs) worldwide. The theme for 2024, “Occupational Therapy for All,” emphasizes the role of OTs in enhancing personal autonomy and fostering community well-being.
The Significance of Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy Goals
Occupational therapy is a holistic practice that focuses on helping individuals achieve their daily goals and maintain independence. Whether it’s enabling an elderly person to continue living safely at home, assisting a child with developmental challenges, or supporting someone with disabilities, OTs play a pivotal role in promoting well-being and independence.
The services provided by occupational therapists are essential for a wide range of people, including:
The Elderly: Older adults often face physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges that can impede their ability to perform daily activities. OTs help them adapt their environments and tasks to maintain independence.
Children with Developmental Needs: For children with conditions like autism or cerebral palsy, OTs assist in developing crucial skills needed for school and everyday life.
Individuals with Disabilities: People facing physical or cognitive impairments receive tailored strategies from OTs to navigate their lives more effectively.
Mental Health and Occupational Therapy
Emotional and Social Support
Mental health advocacy is a significant aspect of occupational therapy. OTs assist clients in developing coping strategies, enhancing social skills, and managing emotional regulation. Through tailored interventions, they help individuals overcome barriers that affect their mental health and overall quality of life.
Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR)
Local Outreach
One of the most impactful areas of occupational therapy is Community-Based Rehabilitation (CBR). Many OTs work within local communities, especially in low-resource areas, to provide critical services. These professionals address the unique needs of their communities, offering support that might otherwise be unavailable.
Celebrating World OT Day
Global Events and Activities
World OT Day is marked by a variety of events, workshops, and online activities around the globe. These celebrations provide an excellent opportunity for therapists, students, and healthcare providers to engage with the profession and learn more about its significant impact.
Public Awareness Campaigns
Public awareness campaigns are a vital component of the celebration. Various organizations launch initiatives to explain what occupational therapy is and how it benefits individuals facing physical, cognitive, or emotional challenges. These campaigns often feature:
Seminars and Webinars: These events offer OTs a chance to enhance their skills and share best practices.
Workshops: Hands-on workshops provide practical experience and learning opportunities for both current and future occupational therapists.
Engaging the Community
Social Media Campaigns
Social media plays a crucial role in spreading awareness about World OT Day. Hashtags like #WorldOTDay2024 and #OccupationalTherapyForAll encourage professionals, clients, and advocates to share stories and insights about the impact of occupational therapy. These online movements help build a global community united by a common goal – to promote and celebrate occupational therapy.
The Role of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT)
Global Advocacy and Resources
The World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) serves as the global voice for the profession. The WFOT provides resources, toolkits, and guidelines to help practitioners worldwide celebrate World OT Day effectively. Through their efforts, the WFOT ensures that the message of occupational therapy reaches a broad audience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the field.
Conclusion
World Occupational Therapy Day 2024 is all about celebrating the transformative impact of occupational therapy. From promoting personal independence to building resilient communities, OTs make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and the broader society. As we mark this special day, let’s recognize and appreciate the vital contributions of occupational therapists and continue to advocate for the important work they do. Don’t forget to share your OT stories with the hashtag #WorldOTDay2024.
Welcome to a quick update from Carer activist and Cygnet Carer network Ambassador Matthew McKenzie. As involved at cygnet, I seek to connect with families and carers whose loved ones use the services of Cygnet. It is important carers are involved to help shape services and connect with other carers to shared knowledge in a peer supportive environment.
On Thursday 24th of October was the Cygnet Staff Achievement Awards 2024. Cygnet take pride in their staff and look to celebrate and award all the work their staff do.
The massive award ceremony was held over at Edgbaston Cricket Ground Banqueting Suite, Birmingham.
As a carer it can be difficult to feel part of something special, so I was delighted be called as a judge to submit my views as a carer network Ambassador regarding what I thought was important. Cygnet wanted to thank all their staff for the hard work and dedication to their job. To many, it is more than a job, which is why Cygnet wanted to award those who have gone beyond their call of duty.
Obviously before the event, I took my time to explore Birmingham. It is such a wonderful city and people are welcoming and friendly. I almost did not want to leave, but I also looking forward to attending the award ceremony. The location for the award ceremony was an excellent choice. The venue was easy to get to and hospitality was brilliant, with excellent food and welcoming staff.
The Cygnet Staff Achievement Awards 2024 was presented by three inspirational people. The first being Carer and Actress Sally Phillips and her son Olly Bermejo.
Sally’s work as an actress is amazing starring in the following
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004) Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001) TV Comedy Series Miranda (2009)
She is also a patron of the Skylarks charity in Richmond [south-west London], which helps those with disabilities who fared much worse under austerity during the pandemic.
Next we heard from Nicolas Hamilton
An inspirational man who has made an impact in his life to change things around. He now uses what he has learned to help others. Nicolas Hamilton is a British racing driver who last competed in the 2023 British Touring Car Championship. He races with a specially-modified car due to his cerebral palsy. Hamilton is the paternal half-brother of seven-time Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton.
We then also heard from Dr Tony Romero Chief Executive of Cygnet on the importance of the award ceremony.
We then heard from David Wilmott Cygnet’s director of nursing who helped launch the award ceremony.
Awards Ceremony
There were lots of awards up for grabs as we all waiting in anticipation on who was to win for their achievements. Below is the following category list.
Care: Joy in Work Award
Respect: Inclusion & Diversity Award
Empower: Mover & Shaker Award
Trust: Helping Hand Award
Integrity: Hand on Heart Award
Delivering Service Excellence: The Showstopper Award
Innovation for the future: Game Changer Award
Support Act of the Year Award
Essential People Award: Unsung Hero
Learner of the Year Award
Bright Future Award
Swan Award
All Star Award: Service User’s Choice Award Social Care
All Star Award: Service User’s Choice Award Health Care
Social Care Service of the Year
I would like to congratulate the winners of the awards listed, but to be fair those who were nominated were also winners in my eyes. It was all about taking part and celebrating staff as a whole.
Below I have done a small video to celebrate and help promote the event. Well done everyone and good luck for next year.
Thanks for dropping by. Welcome to a blog post raising awareness of caring and caregiving. World Suicide Prevention day might have already finished by the time I posted this blog, but it is always helpful to continue raising awareness.
Many people around the world unfortunately take their lives due to suicide every day. This is a sad fact, but we also need to remember those who try their best to help support and care for those struggling with suicide.
It is also important to remember friends, families and communities affected by suicide. I have made this video to help raise awareness, which you can watch below.
Welcome back to another blog post from carer activist Matthew McKenzie. I have just recently watched a news piece regarding Carers UK latest campaign. For those who do not know, Carers UK is one of the UK’s biggest national charities that focuses on support for carers.
You might have already seen a couple of blog posts about previous campaigns from Carers UK and other carer support charities. At the time of this post, there are around 5.7 million carers around the country caring for someone with long term illness.
Most people want to provide unpaid care, they want a better outcome for those with long term illness, but what people do not want is to provide unpaid care with little or non support.
Each year, support for carers has been reduced within the health and social care sector. Important decisions have to be made and in the end this lies with the new government. Still, it does not hurt to provide some guidance on what Carers UK have heard from carers.
There are 8 priorities which Carers UK want the government to be accountable for.
Reform and significantly increase Carer’s Allowance and other social security payments for carers.
Deliver an ambitious and fully funded National Carers Strategy.
Invest in breaks, respite services, and introduce new legislation so all carers have the right to regular and meaningful breaks.
Make the NHS the most carer-friendly health service in the world.
Introduce a right to paid Carer’s Leave for working carers.
Recognise caring as the 10th protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.
Invest in social care services so no one has to care alone, and so Local Authorities are able to meet their existing duties to unpaid carers.
Provide more support to help carers manage their health and wellbeing.
The letter was signed by 10,611 people who feel passionately about the plight of carers. A lot of promotion went into the importance of the letter, but you can also watch the report from London Live news which was reported by Sachelle Connor.
Welcome back to a quick update of an event I participated in. As you might already know, I have a Carers Stall which I use for raising awareness of unpaid carers. The stall is often located at hospitals or events.
This time I took the stall to a festival over in the London Borough of Southwark. The Camberwell Feel Good Festival returned for Summer 2024 with two Saturday festival events, packed full of fun and engaging health and wellbeing activities, free food and music, and vital support services for all ages.
With support from Catherine Gamble who is a fellow at the Royal College of Nursing, there was various stalls promoting wellbeing, information and information to make attendees feel good. Unfortunately the weather had other ideas, but I was amazed at the turnout.
However my stall contained information from Carers UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Parkinsons UK and Southwark Carers which provides support to unpaid carers in the borough of Southwark.
The Event Highlights at the festival are listed below:
Yoga, tai chi and physical exercise for all ages
Mindful arts and crafts stalls
Children’s active fun and games
Free lunch and pantry from local food charities
Children’s no-cook food workshop
Live music and choirs
Health support services stands
Gardening & food growing workshops
NHS physical and mental health advice and support
We also had some Members of the RCN lived experience group helping our with their own stalls and I was delighted to meet Hannah Cadogan who showed me the quilt she made during the pandemic to raise awareness. She also showed the book that promoted the quilt called “The Making of the Cassel Quilt”
It was not long before I checked out some other stalls located next to my carer stall which I shared with Catherine.
The Maudsley NHS and Kings college NHS stalls were out promoting health and wellbeing. This stall was smoking cessation and I actually took a CO2 lung test to see how healthy my lungs were.
Also at the feel good festival was the Maudsley Gallery, which provided arts and crafts for young children. Children were making shakers to go along with the music at the festival.
I then explored other stalls located at Camberwell Green park.
All in all, I had an excellent time helping to promote wellbeing, advice and information. I would like to thank Catherine for involving me and SE5 Forum for putting on an excellent festival.
Welcome to another carer awareness post from carer activist Matthew McKenzie. This post was done during Carers Week 2024, the theme “Putting Carers on the Map”.
Many up and down the country were busy putting carers on the map, but quite a few were also rewarding those who helped put carers on the map.
I was over in the London borough of Harrow to help celebrate the amazing work Harrow carers does for the community of Harrow for their Carers Week Family Celebration.
Harrow Carers was easy to get to and despite the slight rain, everyone was in a good mood.
Harrow Carers centre supports carers of all ages over the phone, through face-to-face contact, support groups and workshops.
Their services include support groups, counselling, wellbeing sessions, hospital discharge, befreinding, events, advice and information. They also work closely with local and national agencies and can signpost carers to specialised sources of support.
On thursday 13th of June, I attend Harrow Carer’s “Family Fun Day”. A place where carers and the community can come together and celebrate, but also forget about their daily struggles.
While visiting the Harrow Carers site, I was shown around the festivities and facilities that they have built up over the years. Harrow carers have a large park area and have built a Barbecue
I was also shown their wellbeing garden.
I was greated by the CEO of Harrow Carers “Charmian Boyd” who showed me around the facilities. She talked about the special day and my role as one of the 3 judges to judge the “Harrow Carers Awards”.
The nominations for the awards were as follows
Young Carer Award for someone under the age of 18 who goes out of their way to help and support others.
Young Carer Award for someone under the age of 18-25 who goes out of their way to help and support others.
Carer going above and beyond Award for someone who goes out of their way to help and support others.
Longest serving / lifetime achievement Award – A carer who has faced big challenges themselves but has continued to care for someone a long time.
Outstanding contribution to the community Award – For someone who spends their spare time volunteering to support carers and fundraises.
General Practitioner Award – Award for a GP Pratice that has made a concerted effort to support carers.
Social Worker of the year Award
While judging for the awards, I was amazed at how the community of Harrow supported each other and setting up the facilities for the event.
The staff at Harrow were welcoming and supportive. Everyone was so friendly and the food served was very tasty.
I also enjoyed judging and helping to present the awards, as you can see below
Plus enjoyed the music and taking part in the raffle
All in all, I enjoyed spending time with the caring community of Harrow, everyone there has the focus on creating a caring community and I look forward to collaborating with the community in future.
Welcome back to another of my carer blogs during Carers Week 2024. Lots of carer engagement and awareness events are still taking place as we are midway through Carers Week.
As a Cygnet Carers network ambassador, I was proud to be invited to present on my thoughts for Carers Week and the focus as to why families, friends and carers are important to Cygnet. The event was the “National Carers, Families and Friends Network Event”. This event took place over at Cygnet Churchill on Thursday 13th June 2024.
As I entered the premises the Cygnet staff were friendly and welcoming, I felt relaxed but excited at the same time. Looking at the event agenda, we had some excellent speakers for attendees both professional and families and carers.
David Willmott who is cygnet’s Director of Nursing opened the event. David spoke about Cygnet’s passion to engage with carers, but to get it right we need to consider families and carers as the experts.
With the ideas of cygnet’s Carer lead Laura Sheridan, Cygnet has made lots of progress, but there are still many things to develop.
David spoke how important it is to develop ideas with the audience and introduced who was going to speak.
Matthew McKenzie presents the importance of Carers Week
When David introuced my session to present to the audience, I spoke about the importance of Carers Week 2024. I have been a carer most of my life regarding my two brothers, but things became immensely difficult when my mother became diagnoised with schizophrenia. For many years I cared alone for 3 people and the impact it had on me was horrendous. I still suffer the scars of unpaid caring experience, but with the support of Carers UK and Carers Trust I feel I can cope.
My caring role led to carer activism, a powerful role that helps engage with whole communities and charity organisations. I spoke how busy I was doing Carers Week and even provided a poem or two which you can see below.
Also speaking at the event was Dr Neil Churchill who is NHS England’s Director of People and Communities. Due to the election Dr Neil could not say much, but did speak about his own carer experiences and the importance of the NHS. Dr Neil also mentioned what is currently available for carers under the NHS, but things could change.
Next up to speak was Nisha Cunnane who is Cygnet head of Pharmacy Services. Nisha spent 25 years working in Various phamacy settings, including hospitals and prisons. She is passionate about patient education and empowerment, this includes caregivers as she promotes they have a pivotal role in enhancing the overall well-being of the cared for.
Nisha spoke about Empowering Carers when guiding them through medication management. She spoke about what medication management actually means and their challenges to unpaid caers.
These challenges would be carers being overwhelmed with multiple medical factors and trying to avoid the risk to potential medication errors. Spotting side effects are also very important to caregivers of those with mental illness, but it also helps to tackle communication barriers with healthcare providers.
Nisha also spoke about medication adherence and top tips for carers and families. She answered questions about medication safety and medication side effects and she also pointed out the importance of collaboration and access to information.
We then had a carers story and her focus to engage with other carers. This was Veronica Kamerling and you might have remember her from the series of carer activist interviews I am currently running.
Veronica spoke passionately about caring for her two daughters who both have an eating disorder, verconica also spoke about caring for her brother who was diagnoised with schizophrenia. Due to her lived experience and carer activism, she runs her own organisation “Eating disorders & Carers”. She has been associted with Triangle of Care for many years as Cygnet strives to embed the Triangle of care in their hospitals.
Listening to Veronica drove home the memories and experience of my own caring situation. It reminded me why I try so hard to engage and involve unpaid carers in my network and also Cygnet carer’s network.
Other speakers were Julian De Takats who is a Parent and Carer. He is also a Cygnet Expert by Experience Carer Ambassador and helps provide carer awareness training at many of Cygnet hospital sites. Julian’s talk helped remind why it is so important to involve carers in shaing services.
We also had Juliana Onwumere from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience speaking about their focus on families and carers, especially with the new online course for training carers about Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia
Unfortunately I could not stay for the full event as I was required as a judge for Harrow Carer’s Awards for 2024. Harrow carers ran their “Carers Family Fun Day” for Carers Week 2024. That is another blog for another day.
However for the National Carers, Families and Friends Network Conference, I felt Cygnet put a lot of work into presenting why they do an amazing amount of energy to set the standard of involving unpaid carers.
A Caring Mind 