Welcome to this blog by Cygnet Carer Ambassador Matthew McKenzie. As a carer ambassador, I strongly believe that those in similar roles who representing families and carers within healthcare and mental health services, should have maximum visibility and reach. This ensures that not only service users but also their carers receive the support and information they need.

On the 19th of March, I had the opportunity to visit Cygnet Millbank for a filming session where I shared my thoughts and messages aimed at families and carers with loved ones using Cygnet’s services. This initiative followed Cygnet’s Patient Carer Race Equality Framework event launch, a commendable effort to enhance outcomes for individuals from diverse communities.

During the filming, I was joined by fellow Carer Ambassador Julian de Takets. Together, we explored ways to strengthen the connection between families and carers and the services supporting their loved ones.

In my segment, I spoke about my role in representing, supporting, and advocating for carers. My work involves ensuring that carers’ voices are heard, offering guidance, and contributing to the development of inclusive, culturally competent services that genuinely address carers’ needs.

However, to make a real impact, it is vital that these messages reach the right audiences. Without effective promotion and engagement, our efforts as carer network ambassadors risk being limited in influence.

Families and carers play a fundamental role in supporting their loved ones’ recovery journeys, yet many feel overlooked or uncertain about how to navigate the mental health system. This is why mental health providers must actively promote and support the work of carer ambassadors. By amplifying our reach, healthcare organizations like Cygnet can ensure that carers feel seen, heard, and valued as equal partners in care.

As an ambassador, I see my role as a bridge between carers and mental health services, offering guidance and ensuring they have access to the right resources and support networks.

I look forward to seeing the completed videos off Cygnet’s website and hope that they serve as a valuable resource for families and carers. More broadly, I urge mental health services to not only establish ambassador programs but also to actively promote them, ensuring that Expert by Experience voices are at the heart of shaping and improving care services.

Carers and families deserve recognition, support, and inclusion in the mental health care process. By championing ambassadors and giving them a wider platform, we can create a more informed, connected, and supportive community for all involved.