Category Archives: triangle of care

Triangle of Care Community Meeting: December 2025 update

By Matthew McKenzie – TOC Community Chair

Our final Triangle of Care (ToC) Community Group meeting of the year brought together carers, professionals, and ToC members from across the UK to share updates, raise concerns, and discuss priorities for 2026 and beyond. Although Microsoft Teams provided some surprises, we made it work, thanks to teamwork and patience. The conversation was rich, heartfelt, and often very moving.

1. Opening & Agenda

As chair of the meeting, I acknowledged technical teething problems as the group used Teams for the first time in this format. Mary (ToC Programme Lead) welcomed attendees and explained the privacy-driven decision to hide email addresses, which also unfortunately hid attendees’ names. A fix will be implemented before the January meeting.

The agenda included:

  • Triangle of Care national updates (Mary)
  • Carer co-production and lived experience input (Matthew)
  • Surrey & Borders’ co-production example (postponed)
  • Research priority-setting presentation (Richard, University of Manchester)
  • Carer questions and discussion

2. Triangle of Care National Update (Mary)

Mary provided a comprehensive end-of-year update structured around ToC’s three priority areas for 2024–25.

2.1 Embedding the Relaunched Triangle of Care Framework

Growth & progress

  • 16 new members have joined the scheme since April, bringing ToC membership to over 80.
  • The first Welsh hospital achieved a ToC Star Award, prompting the creation of a new Welsh-language logo and Welsh materials.
  • A social care pilot is underway with Livewell South West, with West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospital reviewing ToC criteria for an acute setting.
  • Nine Star Awards have been achieved this year, with a further 12 annual reviews approved. Many more annual reports are pending review before year-end.

Standardising data
Mary emphasised the push for consistent reporting across Trusts, including:

  • numbers of carers identified
  • uptake of carer awareness training
  • numbers of carer champions

This will help build a national picture of impact.

Webinars
ToC’s Lunch & Learn series continues, with the recent Carers Rights Day webinar (in partnership with University of Bristol) focusing on the Nearest Relative role under the Mental Health Act (MHA). Resources are available via Carers Trust’s YouTube channel.

2.2 Young Carers: Identification & Support

A major update was the successful national policy win relating to young carers and the Mental Health Act.

Mental Health Act Reform – Safety Net for Young Carers

Following campaigning by Carers Trust, the Young Carers Alliance, and ToC members who wrote to MPs:

  • Government has agreed to update the MHA Code of Practice to require:
    • identification of children when an adult is detained
    • sharing of information about available support
    • referrals for young carer needs assessments
  • Updates to advance choice documents will require practitioners to ask about dependent children.
  • Expected implementation: Summer 2026.

This win was warmly welcomed by the group.

2.3 Racially Minoritised Carers & PCREF

Mary updated members on ToC’s work to ensure carers are fully represented in the Patient & Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF).

Key updates

  • A national Task & Finish Group has now completed its review of the first four ToC standards; the final standard is underway.
  • Piloting of new culturally sensitive criteria is planned with 10 NHS Trusts beginning April 2026.
  • Example of early good practice: Livewell South West is implementing a new “essential data template” that includes carers, enabling services to better identify and support racially minoritised carers.
  • Carers Trust is calling for a statutory duty for NHS mental health providers to implement PCREF in full, including community governance.

2.4 Changing the Narrative on Care – New Research

Mary introduced new research (supported by the Health Foundation and Oxfam GB) titled Changing the Narrative on Care, highlighting:

  • Although 80% of the public value unpaid care, this does not translate into policy action or investment.
  • Three recommended reframes:
    1. Care is a universal experience, not a niche issue.
    2. No care without support, make support visible and tangible.
    3. Care is a partnership between families, communities and systems—not something families must do alone.

The full report is available on Carers Trust’s website.

3. Carer Involvement, Co-Production & Lived Experience (Matthew McKenzie)

I then presented an in-depth reflection on the value of authentic carer involvement, drawing on his lived experience and his role working with multiple NHS organisations.

Key points included:

  • Carers are not passive observers, they hold critical lived knowledge that improves services.
  • Real co-production goes beyond consultation; carers must be equal partners in shaping policy, documentation, training, and strategic decisions.
  • Examples Matthew gave from his own involvement:
    • redesigning welcome packs and leaflets
    • addressing confidentiality misapplication
    • involvement in recruitment panels
    • delivering training to staff at induction
    • reviewing complaints and compliments themes
    • advising on discharge processes and family-inclusive safety protocols
    • participating in research steering groups
  • Carers’ insight is especially essential in safeguarding, quality boards, and identifying service gaps often invisible to professionals.

4. Surrey & Borders Co-Production Example

A planned presentation from Surrey & Borders was postponed, as the relevant colleague could not attend with materials. They hope to present at a future meeting.

5. Research Priority Setting in Secure & Forensic Mental Health (Richard Kears)

Richard introduced a national project with the James Lind Alliance (JLA) aiming to identify the top 10 research priorities for secure and forensic mental health services across England, Scotland and Wales.

Who is the survey for?

  • Carers
  • People with lived experience of secure/forensic services
  • Staff working in these services
  • Anyone indirectly connected (victims, families)

Purpose

To ensure future mental health research is led by the real concerns of those most affected, not only by academics or pharmaceutical interests.

Process

  1. National survey gathering research questions.
  2. Analysis to identify common themes.
  3. Second, more focused survey to refine priorities.
  4. National workshops with carers, staff and people with lived experience to finalise the top 10.

A QR code and flyer were shared for distribution. The group expressed strong support.

6. Attendee Discussion & Questions

This was the richest section of the meeting, with many heartfelt contributions. The themes below reflect the key concerns raised.

6.1 Scotland & UK-wide ToC Alignment

A carer asked why Scotland’s ToC framework is separate and not integrated into the UK ToC accreditation model.
Mary explained:

  • Scotland currently uses ToC only as a free policy framework.
  • Implementing the accreditation model in Scotland would require groundwork to assess willingness and ability of providers to fund membership.
  • Integration is being discussed but is not imminent.

6.2 Clarity on Co-Production

Several carers voiced concerns that:

  • “Co-production” is often used as a buzzword.
  • Some NHS Trusts label work as co-produced after completing it.
  • Carers need clarity on what ToC means when using the term.

Mary responded that ToC uses a ladder of engagement, distinguishing:

  • carer engagement
  • carer involvement
  • full co-production

Carers Trust is developing a formal principles-based statement on involvement for future meetings.

6.3 Older Carers: Visibility, Support & Inequalities

The majority of carer questions focused on the unmet needs of older adult carers, many of whom are supporting people with severe mental illness—not dementia—and often have been caring 20–40 years.

Attendees reported:

  • Feeling “invisible” within both policy and services.
  • Being incorrectly grouped under “older carers = dementia”.
  • Their own poor health affecting their caring ability.
  • Increasing struggle to get responses from professionals.
  • Serious concerns about who will care for their loved ones when they die.
  • Feeling less heard as they age, compared with younger carers or newer voices.

One carer (age 78) shared:

“I can’t retire from caring. Benefits stop at 65, but the caring doesn’t.”

Another said:

“We have to shout louder as older women to be heard—and still we aren’t.”

Mary acknowledged the seriousness of these issues and committed to:

  • bringing older carers’ concerns into ongoing ToC work
  • exploring dedicated guidance and better mainstreaming within the ToC standards
  • sharing good practice on carer contingency planning in upcoming meetings

I have placed the guide below

Click to access Carer-Contingency-Planning-in-the-Universal-Care-Plan-Guidance-V1.0.pdf

I also reiterated the group’s role in surfacing policy gaps and influencing future national lobbying.

6.4 Carer Registration & Meeting Access

Several carers raised issues with:

  • The length of the ToC sign-up form
  • Not receiving meeting links despite signing up
  • Verification barriers when joining Teams

Mary agreed to:

  • review and shorten the form
  • clarify which fields are optional
  • address email deliverability issues
  • adjust MS Teams settings to reduce joining friction while maintaining security

6.5 Concerns About Confidentiality Misuse

One carer reported that in a CQC meeting at an NHS Trust, raising questions about communication was dismissed as “confidentiality”, preventing meaningful dialogue.
I then encouraged carers to bring such examples into:

  • ToC Star peer reviews
  • Carer involvement forums
  • Local advocacy routes

He noted that misuse of confidentiality is a common and unacceptable barrier and must be challenged.

6.6 Petition on Antipsychotic Medication Research

Carers highlighted concerns about:

  • long-term prescribing of antipsychotics
  • lack of regular medication review
  • inadequate research into long-term effects

A carer shared a petition calling for investigation of psychiatric medications. Richard noted that he had signed and shared it previously.

7. Closing Remarks

Matthew thanked all attendees for their honesty, passion and persistence:

“Carers’ voices shape policies and improve care. That is exactly what this group is here to do.”

Mary acknowledged:

  • the importance of every concern raised
  • the need to better support older carers
  • improvements to ToC communications and meeting accessibility
  • that the next meeting will be in January (provisionally 19th)

The meeting closed with gratitude from carers who said they felt heard, supported, and connected.

How Racism Affects Black and Minority Communities and Why Mental Health Services Must Help Lead Change

By Matthew McKenzie facilitator of National ethnic carer forum and Chair of Triangle of Care Community Group

Racism is not a distant or abstract concept it is a lived reality for many individuals and families, particularly those from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds. Its effects are pervasive, touching every aspect of life, from education and employment to housing, healthcare, and policing.

This article is a transcript of the video below.

In the UK and beyond, the consequences of racism are especially pronounced in the realm of mental health, where both direct and indirect forms of discrimination create barriers to wellbeing and access to care.

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Triangle of Care Community Meeting: July 2025 update

On 21st of July 2025, carers, professionals, and stakeholders from across the UK gathered virtually for the latest Triangle of Care (ToC) Community Meeting. Chaired by Matthew McKenzie, this session was packed with insight, action points, and open dialogue. Whether you were new to the group or a long-time contributor, there was something valuable for everyone.

This meeting was particularly significant as it marked a turning point for carer participation. The formal recognition of the community group in ToC’s national governance structure. It affirmed that carer lived experience should not be sidelined, and that carers must continue to shape mental health services from the inside out.

If you weren’t able to attend, this blog will bring you up to speed. As the ToC community group covered a wide range of topics, from updates on national strategy and governance, to inclusive language, carer-led training, and advocacy for better research funding. At the heart of it all was a single message: when carers unite, systems must listen.

Official Recognition and Governance Progress

We are delighted to announce that the Triangle of Care Community Group is now formally integrated into the Triangle of Care governance structure. This gives the group a direct route to influence national decisions. The community will now sit alongside steering and regional groups in shaping policy, reviewing practices, and helping determine what carer inclusion should look like across all participating trusts.

What this means practically is improved alignment and visibility. For years, many carers and grassroots contributors have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, often without formal platforms. This change allows community voices to be heard before decisions are made not just consulted afterwards. Matthew described this shift as “a recognition of the years of unpaid care, leadership, and advocacy carers have always provided.”

It also means that our meetings will align with national timelines and decisions, ensuring a timely flow of updates between local groups, regional networks, and national forums. This is a pivotal opportunity to embed carers more meaningfully into NHS structures and accountability.

New Mailing List & Sign-Up System

Mary Patel from Carers Trust announced the launch of a new centralised mailing list for Triangle of Care community members. This will make sure everyone receives meeting invites, resources, and updates reliably. Participants will soon be asked to complete a Microsoft sign-up form, which will securely transfer contact details onto the Carers Trust system for ongoing communications.

The form will include a few demographic questions to help build a picture of the diversity within the ToC community. These questions are entirely optional but are designed to help Carers Trust identify who is engaging, and where gaps might exist—ensuring outreach strategies reflect real needs. For example, better regional balance, or increased visibility for underrepresented carer groups.

There was also discussion about moving from Zoom to Microsoft Teams for future meetings. Teams offers benefits like attendance tracking, secure file sharing, and easier scheduling. However, this won’t be a forced change, Matthew and Mary invited feedback, emphasising that any transition would be made collaboratively with community input.

Stronger Carer Involvement

Carer involvement was at the heart of the meeting. Matthew shared a passionate update on the need for carers particularly those from minority backgrounds or marginalised communities to step forward and engage in all aspects of the Triangle of Care. This includes involvement in peer reviews, shaping surveys, and suggesting new training or webinar content that reflects their lived experience.

The community was reminded that leading change doesn’t require a title or formal position. Sharing your story, participating in surveys, or simply raising your hand during a meeting is a form of leadership. Matthew emphasised that carers hold the kind of insight that no policy or textbook can replicate. As he put it, “This community is only as strong as the carers who show up.”

Peer reviewing was especially encouraged. Carers can play a vital role in reviewing mental health trust practices and making sure those trusts aren’t just ticking boxes but are genuinely improving the carer experience. Anyone interested in joining these review panels was invited to contact Mary Patel directly. The experience is meaningful and empowering and it places carers right where they should be: in positions of influence.

CQC Expectations and Carer Experiences

A powerful part of the meeting focused on the role of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and how effectively it monitors carer inclusion in mental health services. Several carers and professionals shared their experiences some positive, others deeply concerning about how the CQC engages (or fails to engage) with carers during inspections.

A senior experience lead from an acute trust, explained that when CQC inspectors review services, they typically look for a clear carers policy, systems for identifying and supporting carers, and evidence of staff training. However, the level of scrutiny and the quality of carer-related feedback can vary significantly between inspections. The experience lead noted that while policy is important, it’s the systems around those policies that really matter, things like whether staff actually follow them, and whether carers know where to go for help.

Carers in the meeting shared contrasting experiences. A carer described a disappointing CQC visit where the inspector seemed dismissive, rushed, and uninformed about carers’ rights. Her feedback about lack of communication and exclusion was barely acknowledged, leaving her feeling invalidated. In contrast, Another carer spoke of a more recent inspection where the CQC officer seemed empathetic, asked thoughtful questions, and even disclosed their own possible caring experience. These differing accounts highlighted a common theme: carers’ confidence in the CQC is mixed, and their approach to carers can sometimes feel inconsistent.

There was strong consensus that CQC needs better training in carer engagement and not just understanding legal frameworks like the Care Act 2014, but also how to meaningfully include carers in service reviews. Kelvin added that cultural competence should also be part of the equation, noting that carers from minority backgrounds are too often left out of consultations. Matthew urged carers not to wait for trusts to invite them to speak during inspections ask to be involved, request to meet inspectors, and use carers’ councils or governors to raise visibility. It was clear from this session that carers want the CQC to be more than a compliance body, they want it to be a true advocate for accountability and equity in care.

Confidentiality Roadshow by Donna Bradford

A standout session was led by Donna Bradford, who presented her team’s work on the Confidentiality Roadshow a training programme developed by Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. Designed to upskill staff on consent, confidentiality, and communication, the roadshow is tailored around carer inclusion and co-produced with the Carers Council.

The training helps staff understand not only what they can share legally, but also how to navigate nuanced emotional and ethical situations with carers. Donna reminded attendees that sharing basic, non-confidential information, such as medication side effects, is not only lawful but essential. “If you can Google it, you can say it,” she noted, driving home the importance of clarity over confusion.

Over 550 staff have already received the training, with 100% reporting that it improved their confidence. The programme includes real-life carer scenarios, emotional video testimonials, and interactive quizzes to help reinforce learning.

Beyond the training content itself, what makes the Confidentiality Roadshow so impactful is its co-production with carers. Donna highlighted that every scenario used in the sessions came from real-life examples shared by carers and families. This ensures the training isn’t theoretical so it’s grounded in lived experience. The emotional and practical realities of caring for someone with mental health needs are at the heart of the learning, helping staff understand why clear, compassionate communication is so essential. The training also underscores the importance of listening to carers, not just as bystanders but as active contributors to a person’s care journey.

Several attendees raised the idea of incorporating this training into broader staff induction and continuing professional development programmes. Others asked about adapting it for use in different trust settings, such as acute hospitals or community services. Donna encouraged trusts to reach out if they’d like to adopt or customise the resource. The message was clear: confidentiality shouldn’t be a barrier, it should be a bridge, and with the right training and tools, staff can navigate those conversations with confidence, legality, and humanity.

Mental Health Research Petition

Irene Harris spoke passionately about a new parliamentary petition calling for improved research funding into serious mental illnesses (SMIs) like psychosis. The petition aims to shine a spotlight on how outdated treatments and under-researched conditions continue to place carers and their loved ones in difficult, often heartbreaking positions.

Here is the video about Psychosis medication and its impact by the Stockport carers forum.

She shared how mental health medications for SMIs haven’t evolved as rapidly as physical health treatments, and how this results in long-term side effects and compromised quality of life. Research is desperately needed, not only to improve diagnosis and treatment, but also to create support structures that ease the burden on unpaid carers.

Irene asked attendees to sign and circulate the petition widely, with a goal of hitting 10,000 signatures by November 15th.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/725846

She also announced plans to launch new social media channels to raise awareness. This initiative is about more than funding it’s about giving carers and service users a louder voice in national healthcare priorities.

For more details feel free to visit https://www.mhcarersgroupstockport.co.uk

or contact Irene on irene@mhcarersgroupstockport.co.uk

Language, Inclusivity, PCREF & the ‘Global Majority’ Debate

Language and inclusivity were major themes of the meeting, particularly around the term “global majority.” Some attendees expressed concern that the phrase could be divisive or misinterpreted, particularly by politically sensitive audiences or media outlets. A carer shared a personal anecdote illustrating how words can carry unintended consequences.

Others responded by highlighting the intention behind the term to emphasise that those historically described as “minorities” are, in fact, the global majority in population terms. They called for continued use of the phrase in contexts that promote empowerment, equity, and lived experience.

The discussion didn’t produce a consensus, but it modelled what respectful disagreement and co-learning should look like. Matthew reinforced that ToC should be a space for constructive dialogue, not debate for its own sake. Ultimately, we are united in our aim to ensure no carer is left behind regardless of background, heritage, or identity.

Next Steps & Community Actions

The session wrapped up with a summary of action points and responsibilities. Carers Trust will soon circulate the new mailing list sign-up form. Matthew will share updated meeting dates for 2026 once confirmed, and he will continue to distribute posters for the upcoming National Ethnic Carers Group, taking place on the last Friday of each month.

There will be support the rollout of the Confidentiality Roadshow materials and follow up with those interested in joining peer review panels. A reminder was issued for everyone to contribute to current surveys, share their feedback, and suggest future topics for community meetings.

Finally, participants were encouraged to stay connected beyond the meetings. Whether through peer networks, local carers centres, or email updates, the message was clear: carers must stay visible, vocal, and valued. You are the change-makers, and this group is your platform.

Final Thoughts: “Carers Are Not Just a Cog in the Wheel”

Matthew ended the session with a rallying call to action: “We’re not just a cog in the wheel as we are the energy behind it.” His words served as a reminder that carers are not passive recipients of services. They are drivers of quality, advocates for change, and protectors of dignity in the mental health system.

He also reminded everyone that systems often change slowly, but they do change when people keep showing up, keep speaking up, and keep sharing their truths. “This isn’t just about the Triangle of Care,” he said. “It’s about reshaping the whole narrative around mental health and care.”

If you missed the meeting and would like to receive the slides, recordings, or further resources, feel free to contact Matthew McKenzie directly:
📧 mmckenzie@carers.org

Thanks to to all who attended, contributed, and championed carers’ voices. The next meeting should in September where we hope to see you there.

Triangle of Care Community group update May 2025

Here is a brief update of the Triangle of Care Community group for the month of May 2025. The Triangle of Care Community group is a collaborative forum that champions the voices of unpaid carers in mental health services. The group works in partnership with service users, carers, and professionals to embed the principles of the Triangle of Care, promoting shared decision-making, improved communication, and recognition of carers as equal partners in care.

Our most recent meeting brought together carers, NHS professionals, researchers, and advocates from across the UK, including representatives from Kent, Bristol, Lewisham, East Sussex, and Hertfordshire. The atmosphere was one of mutual respect, knowledge-sharing, and a shared drive to improve the experience of care for carers and their loved ones.

The meeting covered updates on Triangle of Care developments, including recent accreditations and ongoing pilots to adapt the model for various healthcare and social settings. Presentations were given on research studies related to mental health care, including pharmacist prescribers’ roles and experiences of underserved older male carers. The group also discussed campaigns for increased research funding in serious mental illnesses and initiatives to support carers, such as Carers Roadshows.

Triangle of Care Expansion Updates

Mary Patel one of the Triangle of Care leads, provided an update on Triangle of Care developments and accreditations. Several healthcare providers have recently gained Star awards. There are ongoing pilots to adapt Triangle of Care for social care settings and to incorporate criteria for better support of racially marginalized carers. Mary announced that the Triangle of Care community group will be formally brought on board with Carers Trust, with Matthew as the inaugural chair for a 2-year term. They are looking to bring on co-chairs to support Matthew in his role.

Triangle of Care Implementation Updates

The group discusses recent achievements in implementing the Triangle of Care model across various healthcare organizations. Gabrielle Richards who leads on carers at South London & Maudsley reported that her trust successfully completed their Star 2 accreditation assessment for community services.

Matthew McKenzie shared a video poem he created about the Triangle of Care as it was shown during the peer review at South London & Maudsley.

Kelvin thanked Gabrielle for her contributions as she prepares to leave her role. Louise from Kent and Medway NHS Trust reported they maintained their second star accreditation and have implemented new processes to ensure carer considerations are included in policy development.

https://www.kmpt.nhs.uk/carers/triangle-of-care/

Mental Health Care Research Study

Richard introduced Bashir Al Saeed, a PhD student from the University of Manchester, to present their research study on the experiences of people with mental illness and their carers when receiving care from pharmacist prescribers in the community.

Bashir explains that the study aims to understand and improve care provided by pharmacist prescribers for people with mental illnesses in community-based settings. Participants will be asked to take part in a one-hour interview and will receive £30 as compensation.

The study is seeking individuals aged 18 or older with mental illnesses or their unpaid carers who have received care from pharmacist prescribers in the UK. A discussion follows about the inclusion criteria, particularly regarding the requirement for fluency in English, with concerns raised about potential issues against non-English speakers

Mental Health Research Campaign Initiative

The group discussed a campaign for better research into long-term serious mental illness in working-age people. Irene explained that they have been working on this campaign for a year, collaborating with experts from Oxford and the Welcome Trust.

The campaign aims to gather signatures and includes a short video. Irene emphasizes the importance of this initiative, as many in their group have loved ones who have been ill since their teens and are now in their thirties and forties.

You can find out more about the campaign from the link below.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/725846

Advocating for Psychosis Research Funding

The discussion focuses on a petition to increase government funding for research into psychosis, including its diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Irene passionately advocates for more effective medications with fewer side effects, emphasizing the need for better understanding of the underlying causes of psychosis. A carer shared personal experiences of her son’s struggles with mental illness and medication side effects. The group discusses the importance of signing and sharing the petition to gain government support for accelerated research in this area.

Pharmacist Prescribing for Mental Health

The discussion focuses on pharmacists prescribing for mental health conditions. Richard explains that some pharmacists, especially those with specialized training, are caring for people with mental illnesses in various settings. However, the extent of their involvement in prescribing and monitoring is still unclear. A carer expressed concern about pharmacists prescribing for severe conditions like bipolar disorder without extensive training. The group discusses the need for proper qualifications and access to medical records. Richard emphasizes that the study aims to understand and improve the care provided by pharmacist prescribers in community services.

Carers Roadshows: Community Support Network

Trevor a carer involved at Notts NHS described his Carers Roadshows, which he has been organizing since 2013. These free events bring together various organizations dealing with health, mental health, and social care to provide information and support to carers and patients.

Trevor emphasizes the importance of communication in triangular care and sees the roadshows as an effective, sustainable tool for fostering connections between different organizations and the community. He expresses his ambition to expand the roadshows across the country, particularly in London boroughs, and offers to help others create their own roadshows using his four-step guide.

Older Male Carers Advisory Group

Steve Owen from the University of Hertfordshire presents his research project on exploring the experiences of underserved older male carers. The project aims to set up an advisory group of 7-10 older men, particularly from minority ethnic groups, same-sex relationships, and rural/coastal areas, to meet from June to December 2025.

The research group will discuss the benefits and challenges of caring, gender dynamics, and access to support. The project’s goals are to develop a grant proposal for further research and improve advisory group guidelines. Steve is still recruiting participants and welcomes help in sharing information about the project.

Final Reflections

The session highlighted both the progress and the gaps still faced by carers, particularly around communication, access to services, and recognition. The Triangle of Care model continues to be a vital tool in bridging these gaps, but it is the commitment of carers and professionals alike that drives real change.

“Thank you for another great meeting Matthew and everyone.” – Linda Thomas
“These meetings have been such a resource for us all.” – Gabrielle Richards
“Powerful video, powerful voices. Thank you everyone.” – Claire Wood

I’m proud to be involved and help lead as triangle of care community as Chair and look forward to building our impact together. If you’re interested in co-chairing or getting more involved, please reach out let’s continue to shape mental health care that values and includes carers at every level.

National Triangle of Care Community meeting – March 2025

By Triangle of Care community chair Matthew McKenzie FRSA BEM

For the month of March, unpaid carers, NHS professionals, and key stakeholders came together for another Triangle of Care National Community Meeting, which is a powerful space of collaboration, reflection, and shared purpose. Chaired by Matthew, the meeting spotlighted significant developments in carer engagement, mental health service standards, and equity frameworks across the NHS.

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National Triangle of Care community meeting – January 2025

Welcome back to a brief update of the National Triangle of Care Commnity Group. A meeting organised by myself as a carer of lived experience to give a chance for mental health carers to find out developments on Triangle of Care. The online group is attended by unpaid mental health carers, Carers Trust triangle of Care leads and NHS carer representatives and mental health staff.

Agenda of Meeting

The meeting focused on discussing the Triangle of Care program, gathering feedback from carers, and addressing challenges in mental health care. Attendees shared experiences and insights on carer involvement, communication issues, and the need for improved support systems. Key topics included progress updates on the Triangle of Care implementation, the importance of carer perspectives in healthcare decision-making, and strategies to enhance carer engagement and representation across diverse groups.


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