A fantastic new opportunity from King’s College London is inviting unpaid carers and members of the public to capture these experiences through photography.
Free Online Photography Workshops
Whether you’ve never taken a photograph beyond snapping pictures on your phone or you already enjoy photography, these free online workshops are designed for everyone.
You’ll learn how to:
Use your smartphone to take more meaningful photographs.
Participants will have the opportunity to submit their photographs to be displayed at the DUALITY: Journeys of Ageing and Multiple Long-Term Conditions community exhibition.
The exhibition celebrates the real-life experiences of people living with long-term health conditions, those who support them, and the communities around them.
Join the DUALITY Community Event
The exhibition forms part of a free community event taking place at Bush House, King’s College London.
Date: Tuesday 8 September Time: 4:00pm – 7:30pm
Visitors can enjoy:
A community photography exhibition.
Conversations with people who have lived experience of long-term conditions.
Information from local health and community organisations.
A discussion about realistic ways to include exercise and wellbeing in everyday life.
Complimentary refreshments.
The event is open to everyone, but registration is required as places are limited.
If you’re an unpaid carer and would like to explore your creativity while helping raise awareness of the realities of caring and long-term health conditions, we encourage you to register for these free workshops.
Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.
This opportunity is free, welcoming, and open to everyone, no photography experience required.
This week (6–12 July) marks Alcohol Awareness Week 2026, organised by Alcohol Change UK. This year’s theme, “Alcohol and Me,” encourages us to take a moment to reflect on our own relationship with alcohol and the impact it can have on our health, mental wellbeing, relationships and everyday lives.
For many unpaid carers supporting someone with a mental health condition, life can be emotionally demanding. While we often focus on the person we care for, it’s just as important to look after our own wellbeing. This campaign reminds us that seeking support, talking openly and making small positive changes can make a real difference.
To support this important awareness week, I’ve created a new video on my YouTube channel, A Caring Mind, exploring why Alcohol Awareness Week matters, particularly for carers and families affected by mental ill health.
If this post resonates with you, please share the video to help raise awareness, reduce stigma and remind carers that their wellbeing matters too.
By Matthew McKenzie – Chair of the Greenwich MH carers forum
The forum continues to provide a safe space for carers to receive updates, influence local services and learn about developments that affect both carers and the people they support.
This month’s forum focused on three important themes:
New support available for carers through the Greenwich Mental Health Hub.
Major reforms to the Mental Health Act and what they mean for carers.
Why unpaid carers must continue to have a voice in shaping local mental health services.
New Mental Health Support for Carers
We were pleased to welcome Jana, Mental Health Carers Advisor from the Greenwich Mental Health Hub, who introduced a relatively new service specifically supporting carers experiencing their own mental health difficulties.
Many carers spend years putting someone else’s wellbeing first while their own emotional health suffers. Stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, loneliness and exhaustion are common experiences among unpaid carers. The Mental Health Hub aims to provide early support before these issues become more severe.
The service accepts referrals primarily through GPs and offers:
Individual mental health assessments
Short-term personalised support
Advice on carers’ rights
Signposting to benefits, housing and community organisations
Emotional wellbeing support
Practical coping strategies
Access to peer support groups
Support can be delivered face-to-face, online or by telephone, making it more accessible for carers with demanding caring responsibilities.
One particularly welcome development is the dedicated carers’ drop-in sessions, which are open even to carers who have not been referred into the Hub. These sessions provide opportunities to discuss issues such as:
Sleep difficulties
Self-care
Stress management
Accessing local services
Benefits advice
Carers’ Assessments
Meeting other carers facing similar challenges
As carers repeatedly tell us, simply speaking with someone who understands the realities of caring can make an enormous difference.
Carers Continue to Raise Important Gaps
One of the strengths of the forum is that carers are able to raise concerns directly with professionals.
During the discussion several important issues were highlighted.
Many carers continue to experience difficulties navigating complex mental health systems and understanding their rights.
Questions were raised about the lack of specialist advocacy for mental health carers in Greenwich. While support and signposting are available, carers discussed how independent advocacy can be invaluable when attending meetings, challenging decisions or ensuring their voice is properly heard during difficult situations.
The discussion recognised that navigating the Mental Health Act, hospital admissions and care planning can be overwhelming, particularly for new carers who may have little understanding of the legal processes involved.
These conversations reinforce why forums like this remain so important. They allow carers to identify gaps in services while helping organisations understand where further improvements are needed.
Understanding the New Mental Health Act
A major part of the forum explored the forthcoming reforms to the Mental Health Act.
Although the original Mental Health Act dates back to 1983, significant reforms have now received Royal Assent and will gradually be introduced over the coming years.
These reforms aim to create a more person-centred approach by strengthening:
Choice and control
Therapeutic benefit
Least restrictive care
Respect for individual dignity
For unpaid carers, these reforms are particularly significant because they affect how decisions are made when someone is detained for assessment or treatment under the Mental Health Act.
Universal Care Plans and Care Contingency Planning
The forum also introduced another important development currently being rolled out across London: the Universal Care Plan.
This digital record allows important information about both carers and the person they support to be shared appropriately across health and care services.
For carers, this can help:
Ensure professionals know who provides care.
Reduce the need to repeat information.
Improve emergency planning.
Support continuity of care.
Make carers more visible within NHS systems.
Alongside this sits the Care Contingency Plan, which records what should happen if a carer suddenly becomes unable to provide support due to illness or an emergency.
Many carers have never considered what would happen if they themselves became unwell. Having a contingency plan can prevent crises and ensure continuity of care for vulnerable people.
Local Updates
Greenwich Carers Centre also shared news of a new partnership with the South East London Cancer Alliance. I will be involved regarding my Cancer Caregiver group
The project will establish local peer support opportunities for carers and people affected by cancer, alongside awareness events covering issues such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and wider health and wellbeing topics.
Further information will be shared by Greenwich Carers Centre over the coming months.
Looking Ahead
The Greenwich Mental Health Carers Forum continues to demonstrate why unpaid carers need opportunities to come together.
The discussions during this meeting highlighted both the progress being made and the challenges that remain. Carers continue to advocate for better information, stronger involvement in care planning, improved advocacy services and clearer communication from health professionals.
As the Mental Health Act reforms begin to take shape over the coming years, carers will play an increasingly important role in ensuring these changes lead to meaningful improvements for both carers and the people they support.
If you were unable to attend this forum, we hope this summary has helped keep you informed. We encourage all unpaid mental health carers to join future meetings, share their experiences and help shape the services that support carers across Greenwich.
By Matthew McKenzie – Chair of Triangle of Care community group, NHS England involvement & Carer Poet
We are delighted to invite carers to “Caring Together, Stronger Together” a special event hosted by West London NHS Trust to recognise, support and celebrate the vital role of carers.
The event is open to all carers across Ealing, Hounslow, and Hammersmith & Fulham, so please could you share this information and the attached flyer with all of your networks.
Join us for an enjoyable and informative afternoon featuring:
Opportunities to socialise and connect with other carers
Inspiring talks, presentations and poetry
A carers’ services marketplace with information stands
I will also be hosting a Carer stall providing leaflets for Carers including UCP
Wellbeing activities, including mindfulness and hand massages
A complimentary hot lunch
Event details: 📅 Wednesday 29 July 🕐 1:00pm – 4:00pm 📍 Irish Cultural Centre, 5 Blacks Road, London W6 9DT
The event is designed to help carers connect, access information, and take some well-deserved time for themselves in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Looking forward to welcoming carers from across our West London communities. Please help us spread the word by sharing this invitation and the attached flyer.
Are you a parent or carer from an ethnic minority background who is currently receiving support from community mental health services in South West London? Researchers at King’s College London are looking to hear from families about their experiences to help improve the support available to parents and carers.
Who can take part?
You may be eligible if you:
Are aged 18–65
Are currently under the care of South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust community mental health services
Have caring responsibilities for a child under 18
Identify as being from an ethnic minority background
Why take part?
Parents and carers from ethnic minority communities often face unique challenges when accessing mental health support. By sharing your experiences, you can help researchers understand what works well, what could be improved, and how services can better support families across South West London.
Your voice can contribute to developing more inclusive, family-focused mental health services for future generations.
Are practitioners involved?
The study is also inviting practitioners working in community mental health services within South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust to take part, helping to bring together both professional and lived experience perspectives.
Thank You for Your Time
Participants apart from practitioners will receive a thank-you gift in recognition of their time and contribution.
Interested in Taking Part?
For more information or to express your interest, please contact:
If you have cared for, supported, or helped someone navigate mental health services, your experience matters.
Researchers are seeking carers to share their perspectives as part of a project exploring how people make decisions about mental health treatment together. The insights gathered will help shape a research funding application focused on understanding how service users, carers, and clinicians can work collaboratively when making decisions about care and treatment.
Use your Carers’ Voice
Carers often play a vital role in supporting loved ones through mental health challenges. You may have helped someone:
Understand treatment options
Attend appointments
Manage medication and care plans
Communicate with healthcare professionals
Make important decisions during difficult times
Your experiences can provide valuable insights into what works well, what could be improved, and how mental health services can better support collaborative decision-making.
Who Can Take Part?
We are looking for people who have supported someone through mental health care.
We are particularly keen to hear from carers from minoritised and under-represented communities, whose perspectives are often missing from research but are essential to ensuring services meet the needs of everyone.
What’s Involved?
Participants will be invited to take part in an online discussion via Microsoft Teams.
Dates: 15–19 June Format: Microsoft Teams Time commitment: Up to 2 hours Payment: £27.50 per hour (NIHR public involvement rate)
Make a Difference Through Your Experience
By sharing your views, you can help influence future research and contribute to improving how mental health treatment decisions are made between service users, carers, and clinicians.
Every experience is valuable, and your contribution could help shape better mental health care for individuals and families in the future.
Interested?
Register your interest by scanning the QR code on the poster or visiting:
tinyurl.com/5f83xea5
Thank you for considering taking part and helping ensure carers’ voices are heard.
Feeling connected is important especially for those who spend much of their time caring for others. Healthwatch Bromley is hosting a special interactive session designed to explore connection and combat loneliness in our community.
This session will give unpaid carers and community members the chance to:
Engage in a thoughtful group discussion about building connections.
Learn practical strategies to strengthen relationships and reduce loneliness.
Hear insights from guest speaker Helayna Jenkins, who brings experience and inspiration to the conversation.
Enjoy light refreshments while connecting with others in similar circumstances.
Whether you’re a carer seeking support, someone looking to expand their social network, or simply interested in meaningful conversations, this event offers an open, welcoming space to share, listen, and grow stronger together.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and make a difference in your community. Register for free today and be part of the conversation.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 over in the UK runs from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 May, and the theme is Take Action. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to look after someone while managing your own wellbeing.
Mental Health Foundation is the main charity behind Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, but there are many other important organisations playing key roles in mental health support, advocacy, treatment and public awareness.
So for the week of this blog, it is a reminder that even small steps can make a big difference, whether it’s checking in on a friend, practicing self-care, or seeking support from local and national organisations.
As a reminder Carers often put themselves last, but protecting your own mental health is essential and taking action starts with acknowledging that you deserve support too.
During this Mental Health Awareness Week, there are many organisations and local NHS carer support services provide invaluable guidance, counselling, and resources for unpaid carers.
The theme is “Every action counts”. From reaching out to your community, to joining peer support groups, to simply taking a moment for yourself.
Watch my video above for practical tips, encouragement, and ways to take action for your mental health and the wellbeing of those you care for.
Let’s work together to make mental health a priority for everyone, today and every day.
Additional Resources for Carers and Mental Health Support
Carers UK – Advice, support, and information for unpaid carers across the UK. https://www.carersuk.org
The Carers Trust – Local carer centres, counselling, respite, and practical support. https://www.carers.org
Taking time for yourself as a carer isn’t always easy. The daily responsibilities, emotional demands, and constant care for others can often mean your own wellbeing takes a back seat. That’s why initiatives like Carers Active Together matter more than ever.
This Wednesday 15 April, a national day of action is bringing carers across the UK together to focus on movement, wellbeing, and community and you’re invited to be part of it.
A simple step that makes a difference
As part of the day, Carers UK is hosting a free, friendly wellbeing walk in Hyde Park, which is a chance to pause, breathe, and connect with others who understand the caring journey.
Whether you’re caring for a loved one full-time or supporting someone alongside work and life commitments, this walk is designed to be inclusive, relaxed, and welcoming. There’s no pressure, just an opportunity to enjoy fresh air, gentle movement, and good company.
Event details
Date: Wednesday 15 April
Time: 11:00am
Location: Meet at Serpentine Bar and Kitchen, Hyde Park
Cost: Free
As highlighted on the event flyer (page 1), the walk is all about giving carers a chance to “get some fresh air, connect with your community, and enjoy a supportive stroll with local carers.”
Why join the walk?
Sometimes the smallest actions like a walk in the park can have the biggest impact. Taking part in this event can help you:
Boost your physical and mental wellbeing
Meet other carers and share experiences
Feel part of a supportive community
Take a well-deserved break in a beautiful setting
You’re not alone
Carers play an essential role in our communities, often quietly and without recognition. Carers Active Together is a reminder that your wellbeing matters too and that support is out there.
If you know someone who is a carer, consider sharing this with them. A simple invitation could make a meaningful difference.
Register your place
Spaces are free, but registration is encouraged. You can sign up here: 👉 https://bit.ly/4uEXwJO
Recently, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the West Kent Paddock Wood Group, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the experience, not just as a speaker, but as a mental health carer among peers who truly understand the journey.
The session took place at Unit 1 Eastlands, Maidstone Road in Paddock Wood, a welcoming and accessible venue that immediately set the tone for openness and support. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this was a safe space. The event was hosted by Naomi Muigua who is the Social Care Involvement Officer.
The structure of the morning was thoughtfully organised, with time for introductions, discussion, and shared learning, all underpinned by respect, confidentiality, and equality among attendees .
A Community that works to understand carers
What stood out to me most was the diversity of lived experience in the room. Carers supporting loved ones with dementia, autism, and complex health needs came together, each bringing their own story, challenges, and resilience. It reinforced something I’ve long believed: carers often feel invisible in wider society, but in spaces like this, they are seen, heard, and valued.
The group is supported by organisations and professionals who are genuinely committed to reducing isolation and improving access to services. From digital inclusion to transport and community support, there’s a real effort to make sure carers are not left navigating the system alone
Sharing My Journey as a Mental Health Carer
As the invited speaker, I spoke from my own lived experience as a mental health carer. My journey began as a young carer supporting my mother, who developed schizophrenia, while also helping care for my brothers with non-verbal autism. Over the years, that experience has shaped not only my life, but my purpose.
During my talk, I shared:
The emotional reality of becoming a carer—often suddenly, without preparation
The confusion and isolation that can come with navigating mental health systems
The importance of recognising carers as partners in care, not just bystanders
The long-term impact on mental health, identity, and wellbeing
I also spoke about the concept of “lived experience”—something I feel strongly should be embedded in health and social care systems. If professionals are to truly understand and support carers, they need to hear directly from those who live it every day.
One of the key messages I left with the group was this: Carers are the hidden link that holds everything together. Without them, the system simply could not function.
This was taken from my poem off my book.
The Conversations of the group
What made the session particularly powerful wasn’t just the presentation, it was the discussion that followed. Carers openly spoke about:
Not knowing where to go for help
The complexity of accessing services
Feeling that outcomes often depend on how well you can advocate
The emotional toll of long-term caring
These are not small issues, they are systemic challenges. But spaces like this group allow those conversations to happen honestly, and more importantly, collectively.
Why Groups Like This Matter
The West Kent Paddock Wood Group is actually a lifeline to carers as it provides:
A supportive peer network
Access to information and local services
A platform for carers’ voices to be heard
A sense of belonging that many carers lack
For anyone who is caring for a loved one, especially in mental health, I cannot stress enough how important it is to connect with others who understand. You don’t have to do this alone.
Final Thoughts
Leaving the session, I felt both humbled and encouraged. Humbled by the strength of the carers in the room, and encouraged by the existence of a group that is actively working to support them.
If you are a carer in Kent, or even just exploring what support is available, I would strongly recommend attending the West Kent Paddock Wood Group. It is a space where your voice matters, your experience is valid, and your wellbeing is recognised.
For me, it was not just an opportunity to speak, it was an opportunity to connect, learn, and continue advocating for carers everywhere.
If you want to find out more about Kent County Council support for unpaid carers, see link below.
A Caring Mind 