Caring for someone living with psychosis is no easy task. It’s a road filled with challenges, uncertainty, and emotional strain.
For many unpaid carers, this experience can feel isolating, especially when navigating a health system that often prioritizes the patient while leaving carers in the background. But carers play a crucial role, and understanding this journey is key to ensuring both the wellbeing of the person experiencing psychosis and the carer themselves.
Continue readingRecognizing and Supporting Unpaid Carers – Why It Matters
Video and blog created by Carer Activist Matthew McKenzie
Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of our health and social care system. Across England, 4.7 million people provide unpaid care, with 1.4 million caring for over 50 hours a week. Their contribution is valued at £152 billion annually, yet many struggle to access the support they need.
Continue readingUnpaid carers play an essential role in our healthcare system, especially for those dealing with mental ill health or long-term cancer care. Matthew McKenzie’s lecture brings much-needed attention to the critical role unpaid carers play and offers insights for both healthcare professionals and family members on how to better support these individuals. Let’s delve into key aspects highlighted in the lecture aimed at care awareness and support.
To watch a more indepth version please see the video below.
Unpaid carers are often the closest relatives or friends of the patient and have substantial insights about the patient’s history, symptoms, and what has worked best in their care journey.
Continue readingThis blog is by carer activist Matthew McKenzie. In the UK, millions of people, often unnoticed and unappreciated, dedicate their lives to caring for family members with long-term physical or mental health conditions. These unpaid carers are the backbone of the caregiving system, yet they face numerous challenges daily. Here, we delve into the crucial role of carer centers, the obstacles they encounter, and potential solutions to sustain and enhance their vital services.
In this blog, you can explore the significance of Race Equality Week 2025 and how every action counts in challenging racial disparities and promoting lasting change in workplaces, communities, and society as a whole.
Welcome! This blog is inspired by a moving and compelling speech given by Matthew McKenzie, aimed at raising awareness on anti-racism, advocating for unpaid carers, and highlighting mental health issues. Matthew’s message resonates deeply, especially as it concludes Race Equality Week 2025, which was held from February 3rd to the 9th. The theme for this year is “Every Action Counts,” emphasizing that even the smallest actions can contribute to fostering a fairer and more inclusive society.
Continue readingWelcome to the brief update of my hospital carers discharge toolkit meeting. I chair this meeting every two months with support of the carer centres and some hospitals.
The London Hospital discharge toolkit aims to provide a collaborative platform where unpaid carers, hospital carer leads and carer centres can work together to:
Happy World Cancer Day 2025
I recently attended a special event hosted by Macmillan Cancer Support over at Central Hall Westminster for World Cancer Day 2025.
Just so you know, Macmillan Cancer Support provides emotional, practical, and financial support to people affected by cancer, offering services such as specialist healthcare, advice on treatment and benefits, and community-based support to ensure no one faces cancer alone.
Continue readingWelcome 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.
Continue readingAnother blog by Matthew McKenzie for World Cancer Day 2025. Join the movement on World Cancer Day to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support those affected by cancer. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against this disease that impacts millions worldwide.
To watch the 3 minute awarenes video. Click below.
Here is a brief update to the SW London carers group facilitated by Matthew McKenzie and Ava.
Matthew discussed the importance of engaging with Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) for carers, emphasizing its role in providing support, advice, and information to patients and their families. The group also shared their experiences with PALS and other healthcare services, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and effective complaint resolution. Plans were made for upcoming meetings, including a speaker on PALS and discussions on expanding membership and increasing attendance.
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A Caring Mind 