Tag Archives: Carer Support Groups

Oxford University study seeks unpaid carers supporting someone with severe mental illness

By Matthew McKenzie – facilitator of carer groups

Dr Eiluned Pearce, a trainee clinical psychologist and researcher at the University of Oxford, is seeking help recruiting participants for an important study about unpaid carers’ wellbeing.

The study will explore whether attending social and community groups, including carer support groups, clubs and other group activities is associated with improved wellbeing among people supporting someone with a severe mental illness.

This is particularly relevant to what I promote at my site because many unpaid carers rely on peer groups and carer forums for understanding, information and a sense of connection. However, you do not need to attend any kind of group to participate. The researchers need to hear from carers who attend groups and those who do not.

Who can take part?

You may be eligible if you:

Are aged 18 or over
Live in the United Kingdom
Speak English fluently
Provide unpaid emotional or practical support to someone aged 16 or over
Support someone experiencing psychosis, bipolar disorder, an eating disorder, or complex emotional needs/personality disorder
Do not personally experience a severe mental illness

You do not have to describe yourself as a “carer” or “caregiver”. You might consider yourself a relative, partner, parent, sibling or friend who provides essential support.

What does participation involve?

Participants will complete an anonymous online survey lasting approximately 40 minutes. You can take breaks and return to it using the same internet browser, provided it is completed within one week of starting.

Questions will cover your wellbeing and mental health, the support you provide, its impact on you, any groups you attend and some information about your background.

Individual responses will not be shared outside the research team, and IP addresses will not be recorded.

Take part in the study

To read more about the research and access the survey, visit:

https://tinyurl.com/CaregiverSMIWellbeingOrgs

The study has been approved by the University of Oxford Central University Research Ethics Committee (reference: MS IDREC 2204969).

For questions about the research, please contact:

Dr Eiluned Pearce
Email: eiluned.pearce@psy.ox.ac.uk
Telephone: 07775 229377

Dr Lorna Hogg
Email: lorna.hogg@hmc.ox.ac.uk

Dr Shama El-Salahi
Email: Shama.ElSalahi@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk

Research into carers’ wellbeing remains limited, and it is important that the experiences of people supporting someone with a severe mental illness are properly heard and understood.

Coping with Depression Practical Strategies for Unpaid Carers

Introduction

Hi everyone, it’s Matthew McKenzie here, and as you know, my focus is usually on raising awareness about unpaid carers, those who care for someone living with long-term ill health, whether it be mental health or physical health. Today, we’re shifting our attention slightly to discuss strategies for dealing with depression. This issue doesn’t just affect the individuals you’re caring for; it can also impact unpaid carers themselves. I’ve been through it, and it’s something that creeps up on you unexpectedly. Even while doing your best in your caregiving role, external factors and the nature of who you’re caring for can significantly affect your mental well-being.

To watch the video, please see below.

Strategies for Combating Depression

Let’s dive into these 20 or so strategies that carers, or anyone for that matter, can use to deal with depression.

Continue reading →

Southwark & Lambeth carer forum update February 2025

Here is a brief update of the joint Southwark & Lambeth mental health carers forum I run the last monday of the month. The forum is a space for those caring for someone with mental ill health to connect and get updates from service providers.

As facilitator Matthew McKenzie emphasized the importance of managing guilt as a mental health carer, challenging unrealistic expectations, and setting boundaries for one’s own well-being. Matthew also stressed the need for self-care, seeking professional guidance, and advocating for respite care. The conversation ended with discussions on the concept of guilt, the challenges of being a carer, and strategies for holding care coordinators and social workers accountable.