If you’ve supported someone through a stay in mental health services, your experience could help improve care for others.
Researchers at The University of Manchester are inviting people with lived experience—including carers to take part in an online workshop focused on improving how mental health services support people during hospital discharge, particularly for individuals from Black heritage communities.
Reason for research
Evidence shows that people from Black communities often face poorer outcomes in mental health care, including barriers to access and challenges during discharge from hospital.
To address this, researchers are working to make future services and research more inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in real experiences. Hearing directly from carers is a key part of that work .
Who is running this?
The workshop is being led by Dr Natasha Tyler, a Research Fellow at The University of Manchester, as part of work linked to improving future research and care approaches.
The session will also be supported by facilitators with lived experience, including carers, to ensure discussions are grounded and meaningful .
Who can take part?
You may be interested if you:
Have cared for someone who has been an inpatient in adult mental health services
Have experience of discharge from mental health care
Want to share your perspective to improve future support
What’s involved?
Format: Online (MS Teams)
Duration: 2 hours
Dates: Sessions planned between 23rd April and 8th May 2026
Payment: £60 as a thank-you for your time
Participants will receive questions in advance to help prepare for the discussion.
Why get involved?
Taking part is a chance to:
Help shape future mental health research and services
Ensure carers’ voices are included in decision-making
Contribute to reducing inequalities in care
Share your experience in a supportive environment
How to express interest
If you’d like to take part, you can follow the link in the invitation to share your availability or contact the research team directly.
Caring for someone with multiple long-term health conditions can be both rewarding and challenging. More people than ever are living with conditions like diabetes, asthma, arthritis, or hypertension and these health challenges often affect minoritised ethnic communities disproportionately.
King’s College London is running the INTERCEPTION study to better understand the experiences of carers like you and the people you support. The goal is to improve how community leaders, healthcare professionals, and policymakers perceive and support those living with multiple conditions.
Your Voice Matters
Your experiences as a carer provide invaluable insights into what works, what could be better, and what support is most needed. By sharing your story, you help shape the future of care for people in similar situations, both locally and nationally.
Who Can Take Part
You can join the study if you:
Are 18 years old or above
Live in Coventry, London, or Manchester
Care for someone with two or more long-term physical or mental health conditions
Can communicate in English for an interview
What Participation Involves
The study involves a one-to-one interview lasting 60–90 minutes at a time and place that suits you. Everything you share will be kept confidential. As a thank you for your time, participants receive a £25 voucher.
How to Get Involved
To learn more or sign up, scan the QR code on the flyer or visit this link . If you have any questions, you can contact the research team, Dr Brenda Hayanga and Dr Sujith Prankumar, at interception@kcl.ac.uk.
Your experiences truly matter. By participating, you help researchers understand what carers need and influence better care for minoritised ethnic communities living with multiple long-term conditions.
Join Matthew McKenzie in raising awareness for brain tumors, highlighting the importance of research, support, and campaigning. Stand up for science and mental health to make a difference in the lives of those affected. Watch the 4 minute awareness video below.
Raising Awareness for Brain Tumor Awareness Month
Brain tumors, whether cancerous or benign, are a life-altering diagnosis for affected individuals and their families.
Welcome to my blog to help raise awareness for Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025. If you dont know already, I raise awareness of those who care for someone. This could be mental ill health, cancer or other needs of support.
If you want to see the 5 minute awareness video, click below.
I am now doing my bit to help raise awareness on neurodiversity. Consider this! Imagine a world where every mind is valued, where differences are not just accepted but celebrated. Welcome to Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025, a time to recognize the unique strengths and perspectives of neurodivergent individuals—those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and other cognitive variations.
So from From March 17th to March 23rd, 2025, people across the UK are coming together to celebrate the power of different minds. This is a time to embrace neurodiversity, challenge stereotypes, and recognize the incredible talents that neurodivergent individuals bring to our world.
Unfortunately, despite these strengths, many neurodivergent individuals still face challenges, misunderstandings, exclusion, and barriers in education and the workplace. That’s why this week is so important. It’s about breaking down stereotypes, fostering inclusion, and building environments where every mind can thrive.
So this year, thousands of educational facilities are taking part in activities to raise awareness and celebrate neurodivergence. From interactive workshops to inspiring talks, students and teachers are learning how to create a more inclusive world.
One question you might be asking yourself is how can we make a step towards change and support?
Here are some tips below.
✨ Education – Ensuring that learning spaces are inclusive, supportive, and adaptive for all students. ✨ Workplace Inclusion – Encouraging businesses to embrace diverse thinking, because innovation flourishes when different minds come together. ✨ Community and Advocacy – Raising awareness and celebrating the voices of neurodivergent individuals.
The responsibility does not only rest upon institutions and organisations, we all can play a part.
Expand Your Understanding – Take the time to learn about neurodiversity and share what you discover with friends, family, and colleagues.
Encourage Inclusive Initiatives – Schools and workplaces can host events, discussions, or workshops to educate and celebrate neurodivergent perspectives.
Be an Ally – Listen to neurodivergent voices, advocate for their needs, and support policies that promote inclusivity.
Amplify Awareness Online – Just like I am doing with my blog and video. Use social media and campaign hashtags to spread awareness and show solidarity with the neurodiverse community.
Thank you for stopping by and happy Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025
I love being creative and finding inventive ways of promoting the carer journey and mental wellbeing. One of the best ways of expression is the use of art. I am not a brilliant artist, and to be honest I am more of a poet. Still, art therapy has come a long way into helping others find ways to.
I often find poetry and developing visual art as a calming and relaxing hobby. So I decided to create a video post on 10 ways art inspires psychological healing and self expression. This video is called “10 ways art inspires psychological healing and self expression”.
For those grappling with trauma or stress, art provides a non-verbal outlet to externalize complex feelings that may be difficult to articulate. For instance, painting or drawing allows individuals to symbolically represent their inner world, creating a sense of control and mastery over overwhelming emotions. Additionally, the act of creating art can promote mindfulness, grounding the person in the present moment and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Welcome back to another blog post by Matthew McKenzie. This time it is awareness of social science time. Most of the time I raise awareness of unpaid carers, especially when it comes to caring for someone with mental ill health.
As a carer of lived caring experience, being involved in the mental health system exposes you to psychology, psychiatry and even philosophy, although I was always a philosopher anyway.
It was only a matter of time before I wanted to blog about the human condition and how our environment influences our actions, especially if it comes to our mental wellbeing. Are we actually responsible for our choices? Or are these our own actions.
Check out my video on the 15 Differences Between Free Will vs Determinism
The debate between free will and determinism centers on whether human beings have genuine control over their actions or if every decision and event is predestined by prior causes. Free will emphasizes individual autonomy, proposing that people have the capacity to make choices independent of external forces or causal chains. This perspective supports the idea of personal responsibility and moral accountability, as it assumes individuals can act in ways that are not entirely dictated by genetics, upbringing, or circumstances. nature.
In contrast, determinism argues that all actions and events are the inevitable result of preceding conditions, governed by laws of nature, genetics, or environment. From this viewpoint, human behavior can be understood as the outcome of a causal chain, much like a domino effect, where every decision is shaped by prior experiences, biological factors, and external influences. Determinism challenges the notion of true autonomy, raising questions about the fairness of moral and legal judgments.
Welcome to another blog post by carer activist Matthew McKenzie. As a carer of someone with mental ill health, I was often interested into what affect the mind and how this can affect the human condition. It is only a matter of time before I start promoting awareness of mental health and the mind.
Insights into the mind and the human condition have fascinated thinkers, scientists, and artists for centuries, offering profound perspectives on how humans perceive, feel, and navigate the world. The mind, as the seat of consciousness, emotion, and reason, shapes our reality, influencing behavior and decision-making.
Studies in psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy reveal that the human mind is both rational and irrational, a duality that drives creativity, problem-solving, and self-awareness, but also fear, bias, and emotional conflict.
I have made a Top Ten video looking into the insights of the Mind and the impact on the Human condition.
By exploring the mind’s processes—like memory, cognition, and emotion—we gain a better understanding of what motivates people, how people respond to challenges, and how they relate to others.
This exploration reveals that while individuals are unique, shared experiences such as love, loss, and the search for meaning connect us all, forming the foundation of the human condition.
Welcome to carer activist matthew mckenzies post to raise awareness of Stress Awareness day. I will eventually do a blog and video on how stress affects caregivers, but for now, I want to focus on Stress awareness day 2024 and provide some top tips on beating and managing stress.
To watch the short promotional video, please click below.
Understanding Stress Awareness Day
Stress Awareness Day is observed on the first Wednesday of November each year. Established in 1998 by the International Stress Management Association, its purpose is to bring attention to the significant impact stress can have on both physical and mental health. Stress is often a contributing factor to various health issues, including heart disease, anxiety, and depression. Recognizing this, Stress Awareness Day aims to encourage individuals and organizations to take proactive steps in managing and reducing stress.
Why Stress Awareness Matters
Stress is an unavoidable part of life, but its management is crucial for maintaining a balanced and healthy lifestyle. When left unchecked, stress can lead to serious health complications. By acknowledging stress as a genuine issue, we can better equip ourselves with the tools and strategies necessary to mitigate its effects.
The Role of Workplaces
Work environments play a significant role in an individual’s stress levels. Stress Awareness Day serves as a crucial reminder for organizations to foster environments that prioritize mental health and well-being. Open discussions about mental health and providing resources for stress management can create a supportive atmosphere for employees.
Practical Tips for Observing Stress Awareness Day
There are numerous ways to participate in Stress Awareness Day that can have a lasting impact on your well-being. Here are some practical tips to consider:
Practice Self Care
Taking time for self-care is essential in managing stress. Engage in activities that help you relax and unwind, such as reading, exercising, or practicing mindfulness. Making self-care a regular part of your routine can make a significant difference in how you handle stress.
Learn About Stress Management Techniques
There are various techniques available that can quickly reduce stress levels. Methods like deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation are effective tools that can be incorporated into daily life. By learning these techniques, you can better manage stress whenever it arises.
Connect With Others
Talking about your feelings with friends, family, or a mental health professional can provide immense relief. Communication is a powerful way to process stress and gain support. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need to talk about what’s on your mind.
Get Involved in Workplace Initiatives
Many organizations use Stress Awareness Day to promote mental health through seminars, workshops, or meditation sessions. Participating in these events can offer valuable insights and techniques for managing stress. It also helps to contribute to a culture of well-being within the workplace.
Reflect on Stress Triggers
Taking time to identify what causes stress in your life can lead to changes that help manage those stressors more effectively. Understanding your triggers is the first step towards making necessary adjustments to reduce stress. This reflection can be helpful in both personal and professional settings.
Daily Habits to Reduce Stress
Incorporating certain habits into your daily routine can significantly reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Here are some recommendations:
Stay Physically Active
Exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage stress. Regular physical activity helps to reduce tension, elevate mood, and improve overall health. Find an exercise routine that you enjoy, whether it’s walking, swimming, or yoga, and make it a regular part of your life.
Get Adequate Sleep
Quality sleep is essential for resetting the body and mind. Ensuring you get enough rest helps to handle daily challenges more effectively. Create a conducive sleep environment and establish a regular sleep schedule to improve your sleep quality.
Eat Balanced Meals
Nutrition plays a vital role in overall well-being and can impact stress levels. Consuming a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides the necessary nutrients to support your body in managing stress.
Set Boundaries
Especially relevant in maintaining work-life balance, setting boundaries can prevent burnout and reduce stress. Learn to say no when necessary and prioritize tasks that are most important to you. This can help to keep workload manageable and maintain a healthy balance between personal and professional life.
Practice Mindfulness
Engaging in mindfulness practices, even for a few minutes each day, can significantly improve how you handle stress. Techniques such as mindful breathing or meditation can help you stay grounded and present, reducing the overall impact of stress on your life.
Conclusion
Making small changes to prioritize mental health daily is an excellent way to honor Stress Awareness Day and promote a less stressed, healthier lifestyle year-round. By taking proactive steps such as practicing self-care, learning stress management techniques, connecting with others, engaging in workplace initiatives, and reflecting on stress triggers, you can significantly reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Remember, managing stress is not just about handling challenges as they come but also about creating a lifestyle that supports mental health and resilience.
Stress Awareness Day serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of stress management and the resources available to help us lead healthier lives. By observing this day and incorporating stress reduction strategies into our daily routines, we can take significant steps toward achieving a balanced and fulfilling life.
Welcome back to another mental health awareness blog post from carer activist Matthew McKenzie. As of the posting of this blog. It is OCD Awareness Week 2024. You can also watch my video of the awareness week below.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts known as obsessions and repetitive behaviors or mental acts called compulsions. These behaviors are not just quirky habits but are driven by a deep need to alleviate the anxiety caused by these intrusive thoughts.
Understanding the Obsessions
Obsessions are more than just everyday worries or concerns. They are persistent and unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. People with OCD are often fully aware that these thoughts are irrational, but they find it extremely difficult to ignore or suppress them.
The Nature of Compulsions
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person with OCD feels driven to perform. These actions are attempts to reduce the distress caused by obsessions or to prevent a feared event or situation. Compulsions can take many forms, including excessive hand-washing, checking, counting, or repeating words silently. Importantly, these behaviors usually provide only temporary relief and can be very time-consuming, interfering significantly with daily life.
Busting Myths About OCD
It’s Not Just About Tidiness
One of the most common misconceptions is that OCD is merely about being neat and organized. While some people with OCD may have cleanliness-related compulsions, the disorder is much more complex. It can involve a wide range of obsessions and compulsions, many of which have nothing to do with order or cleanliness.
Beyond Quirks and Idiosyncrasies
OCD is often trivialized in popular culture as just a set of quirky behaviors. In reality, it is a serious condition that can cause significant distress and impairment in various areas of life, including personal relationships, work, and overall well-being.
The Role of OCD Awareness Week 2024
Organized by International OCD Foundation
This year’s OCD Awareness Week, running from October 13th to the 19th, is being spearheaded by the International OCD Foundation and other reputable organizations. The main goal is to spread awareness, break down stigma, and provide actionable support for those living with OCD.
Activities and Resources
The week will feature various workshops, webinars, and support groups designed to educate the public and those affected by OCD. Educational materials and personal stories will also flood social media, providing a wealth of knowledge and resources. Keep an eye on hashtags like #OCDWeek to stay updated on these activities.
How You Can Help
Educate Yourself
If are caring for someone with OCD, taking the time to educate yourself about their condition can be a game-changer. Understanding their symptoms, knowing their triggers, and familiarizing yourself with treatment options can make you a better support system for them.
Combat Stigmatization
One of the critical goals of OCD Awareness Week is addressing common misconceptions and combating stereotypes. Recognize that OCD is not something to be joked about—it is a serious condition that requires empathy and understanding.
Effective Treatment Options
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for OCD. This type of therapy involves techniques to help individuals manage their obsessions and reduce compulsive behaviors. One specialized form of CBT, called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is particularly effective for treating OCD.
Medication
Medicinal interventions, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can also be very effective in managing OCD symptoms. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best treatment plan for each individual.
Seeking Professional Help
It’s crucial to know that help is available and that it’s okay to seek it. Professional treatment can make a significant difference in managing OCD symptoms and improving quality of life.
Building a Supportive Community
The Power of Empathy
One of the most impactful ways to support those living with OCD is through empathy and understanding. Small acts of kindness, like listening without judgment or offering a helping hand, can go a long way in making someone feel less isolated in their struggle.
Family and Friends
Families and friends play a crucial role in the support system for someone with OCD. By educating themselves about the disorder, they can offer better support and reduce the feelings of isolation and stigma that often accompany mental health conditions.
Get Involved
Spread the Word
Sharing knowledge is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to raise awareness. Use social media, community events, and even casual conversations to spread accurate information about OCD. Participate in events and activities during OCD Awareness Week to show your support.
Promote Compassion
By promoting empathy and understanding, we can create a more compassionate world for those affected by OCD. Every small effort counts, from sharing a post on social media to participating in a local awareness event.
Making a Difference
Raising awareness about OCD is not just about understanding the condition but also about fostering a supportive environment for those affected. By debunking myths, spreading correct information, and showing empathy, we can make a transformative impact in the lives of millions of people living with OCD.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about OCD and how you can contribute to raising awareness. Let’s make this world a little more compassionate and understanding, one step at a time.
An exciting new research opportunity for Caribbean heritage dementia carers. Feyi Abraham a PhD student researcher at London Metropolitan University is looking for carers to share their experiences.
Please view the poster below or contact fer0077@my.londonmet.ac.uk for more details.
A Caring Mind 