Tag Archives: carer activism

Interview with Elsie

Caring for a loved one is a role that often goes unseen and undervalued. In this interview, Matthew McKenzie speaks with Elsie, a 73-year-old carer and activist, about her journey as an unpaid carer, the challenges she’s faced, and her mission to support others walking the same path.

Standing Strong for Carers’ Rights

Elsie refuses to be silenced. Though at times labeled as a “persistent, unreasonable complainer,” she sees her persistence as a duty to her loved ones and to other carers. For her, raising concerns is about advocating for better care and systemic improvements.

Her advice to carers is simple but powerful:

  • Trust your instincts.
  • Don’t give up until your loved one gets the right care.
  • Learn about carers’ rights and stay engaged in decisions.

Finding Strength in Words

In a deeply moving moment, Elsie shared a poem she had written for the Book of Remembrance at Honor Oak Crematorium, in memory of her son. Her words reflect not only grief but also strength, love, and the motivation to keep advocating for change.

You’ll always be our hero.
Although you’re gone, we’re not apart.
Our love for you keeps going,
It stays deep within our hearts.

Football, food and fishing
Were what it was all about.
Blue is the color,
Come on, you lions, to shout.

Interview with R. Bernard Coley

Welcome back to the 5th in the series of carer activist interviews. I have a special treat for Carers Week 2024 as this time I have gone international and interviewed Bernard Coley who is a strong champion for caregiver activism internationally.

Bernard is a carer and also does a lot of work making the carer visible especially regarding the impact of Parkinsons.

He acknowledges there are many challenges facing those who try to connect with caregivers and these challenges are actually similar over in the UK.

You can watch the interview for free below as Benard talks about how important it is for carers NOT to stay silent about their role. There is also discussion on how members of the black community can make a difference when connecting with carers.

Interview with Karen Machin – Carer Activism series

Welcome back to the fourth carer activism interview video. These interviews discuss with experts of lived carer experience on the focus for unpaid carers. Most carer interviews are based on those caring for someone with mental illness, however in future that might change to include other caring experiences.

The fourth interview was with Karen Machin who is a researcher and carer peer supporter. She raises awareness of the importance of co-production, peer support and research.

You can view Karen’s research in the link below.

Karen Machin Research list

She has a focus on both carer and service user empowered experiences. You can watch the interview in the video below.