If you’re an unpaid carer in Southwark, chances are you’re used to putting everyone else first. You support a loved one day in, day out, emotionally, practically, often invisibly. And too often, decisions about “support” for carers are made without carers truly being heard.
Southwark Council is developing its Unpaid Carers Strategy, and they are inviting unpaid carers to take part in upcoming focus groups to share real experiences, which are your lived reality.
As an unpaid carer myself, I know how rare and valuable this opportunity is.
Why having your say is important because
Policies and strategies shape:
What support is available
How easy (or hard) it is to access help
Whether carers feel recognised, supported, and understood
When carers don’t speak up, systems are built around us, not with us. When we do speak up, its a chance to make change becomes possible.
This isn’t about complaining. It’s about being honest: what works, what doesn’t, and what would genuinely make life easier for carers in Southwark.
Your voice could help shape:
Better access to information and services
More flexible, carer-friendly support
A strategy that reflects the real pressures carers face
A safe, non-judgemental space
One of the most important things about these focus groups is that they are designed to be:
Non-judgemental
Inclusive
Open to carers with any level of responsibility
You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t need to be an “expert”. You just need your experience.
Whether you care full-time, part-time, occasionally, or don’t even label yourself as a “carer” your perspective still counts.
Focus group dates and details
In-person focus groups 📅 24th February ⏰ 11am – 1pmand2pm – 4pm 📍 Harriet Hardy Community Centre Harriet-Hardy Building, Aylesbury Estate, Albany Road, Walworth SE5 0AH
Online focus group 📅 25th February ⏰ 7pm 💻 Virtual session via Microsoft Teams
How to get involved
You can:
Scan the QR code on the flyer shown above my blog to register your interest
On 4th December 2025, I had the privilege of attending the Service of Christmas Carols and Readings for Carers UK (for their 60th anniversary) at The King’s Chapel of the Savoy.
As many will know, Carers UK is a national charity that offers advice, information, and advocacy for unpaid carers, people who look after a family member or friend due to illness, disability, mental health challenges or frailty.
Their work is vital and ranges from campaigning for carers’ rights, to shaping policy, to providing emotional and practical support.
As someone who has spent years amplifying carers’ voices, and as someone who has been a carer myself, I always find moments like this grounding. They remind me that carers are so often hidden and deserve spaces of recognition, reflection, and community.
I couldnt capture the whole event, so a lot of it is from memory,
The King’s Chapel of the Savoy, with its royal heritage and intimate atmosphere, felt like the perfect place for such a service. The carved wood, the vivid ceiling, the echo of voices old and new it all contributed to an environment where carers could feel honoured rather than overlooked.
A Service That Told carer Stories
The order of service blended scripture, poetry, classic carols, and carers’ own words. Each part spoke to a different dimension of caring, love, sacrifice, resilience, loss, hope.
Here is a clear, concise list of the Carers UK Christmas Carol Service Order, based on the programme you shared.
Some of the order of Service – Carers UK Christmas Carols and Readings
Carol – Once in Royal David’s City
Welcome & The Bidding Prayer by The Revd Canon Thomas Woodhouse MA
Welcome on Behalf of Carers UK by Helen Walker, Chief Executive
Gospel According to Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 8–20 Reader: Rt Hon Sir Ed Davey MP
Reading – Gospel According to Luke, Chapter 2, Verses 1–7, Reader: The Rt Rev Rob Wickham
Reading – Extract from A Christmas Carol, Reader: Jaycee La Bouche, a carer
The Blessing by The Revd Canon Thomas Woodhouse MA
Below are some reflections on the elements that struck me the most, based on the transcript provided.
I started noting down things when hearing the classic Clement Clarke Moore poem brought a sense of nostalgia and gentleness. For many carers, Christmas isn’t always restful, it can be emotionally heavy or practically demanding. Yet this reading reminded me of the grounding power of tradition.
There was also a Carer’s Poem – “I Carried Him” (Martin Seare), which was read by Tiggy Walker. The poem captured something familiar to many carers, which is the sense of being the energy source behind someone else’s survival. The feeling of being nurse, advocate, motivator, protector, and emotional anchor, all at once.
Jaycee’s reading from A Christmas Carol brought a heartfelt authenticity to the service, grounding Dickens’ message of compassion in real lived experience. Hearing a carer deliver those words reminded me how powerfully stories of renewal that echo the emotional journeys many carers navigate every day.
We also heard an extract from A Christmas Carol, where hearing Dickens’ words about Scrooge’s transformation felt fitting. Carers often live in a world full of systems that need to “wake up” to their realities, these systems overdue for compassion and change.
There was another Carer’s Poem – “Hands That Once Held Me” (Aaliyah O’Neill), which was read by Pippa Haywood. This poem honoured the emotional labour that accompanies caring, the grief, the patience, the love that persists through fading timelines and shifting identities.
Walking around after the service, we were provided with wine and mince pies (I could only handle one glass of mine), but ate a lot of mince pies. I also noticed on a nearby table, beautifully wrapped with red ribbon, were copies of books written by individuals deeply connected to the world of caring.
Tiggy Walker’s Both Sides Now offered a tender, candid exploration of love, loss, and the emotional realities of caring, while Why I Care highlighted personal reflections on the value and challenges of supporting others by Sir Ed Davy. Seeing these books at the event felt fitting, they extended the service’s message by giving carers stories they could see themselves in, learn from, and feel strengthened by.
Carols – Collective Voice, Collective Strength
Carols like “Once in Royal David’s City,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” “In the Bleak Midwinter,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” took on added meaning.
Singing these in chapel reminded me that carers often feel alone, but they are part of a much larger story. Carols have always been about shared experience, hope, and unity. That unity was felt strongly throughout the chapel.
A Blessing for Carers
Towards the end, The Revd Canon Thomas Woodhouse offered prayers acknowledging:
those who care
those who are cared for
those who grieve
those who find joy in service
those who struggle silently
What the Service Meant to Me as a Carer
I left the event feeling the followng:
Being Seen
Carers rarely hear their stories reflected back to them with such respect. This service did that.
Connected
Being surrounded by fellow carers, supporters, faith leaders, and advocates reminded me that we are not navigating these challenges alone.
Renewed
Christmas can be difficult for many carers, i am running a few carer groups to reduce isolation, but this service offered a moment to pause, reflect, and recharge spiritually and emotionally.
Motivated
Each poem and reading reinforced why I continue to campaign and raise awareness: because carers’ lives, struggles, and contributions must be brought into public consciousness.
Final Thoughts
The Carers UK Christmas Service wasn’t just a festive gathering, it was a space that lifted the voices and experiences of carers into the light.
Carers UK continues to be a champion for those who give so much of themselves. And events like this remind us that recognition, community, and hope are powerful gifts.
I left the chapel gratefull for the stories shared, for the solidarity felt, and for the reminder that carers are, and always have been, at the heart of what makes our communities truly compassionate.
BONUS : A small tour of the chapel.
History in the Woodwork: Discovering the Stories Behind the Savoy Chapel’s Symbols
One unexpected part of attending the Carers UK Christmas Service at The King’s Chapel of the Savoy was the opportunity to explore some of the chapel’s remarkable historical artefacts. As a carer and someone who works in carer advocacy, I often reflect on continuity on how the past shapes the present. Walking around the chapel, I realised the walls were not just decorative; they were storytellers.
These objects and emblems remind us that the Savoy Chapel is a living part of royal, national, and personal history. And in many ways, the quiet endurance reflected in these items echoes the resilience of carers across the country.
1. The Heraldic Plaques on the Chapel Walls
Along the wooden panelled walls were beautifully detailed heraldic plaques, each representing past members or senior figures associated with the Royal Victorian Order or individuals linked to the chapel’s long history of royal service.
The Royal Victorian Order was established in 1896 by Queen Victoria as a way of personally recognising service to the monarch. That personal element, service based on loyalty, commitment, and relationship. That i felt especially meaningful as someone attending the Carers UK event.
Each plaque typically includes:
A coat of arms, with symbols representing the individual’s heritage, achievements, or values.
A Latin motto, often referencing duty, honour, or faith.
A record of rank or title, showing how the person was tied to the Crown or Order.
Standing before these plaques, I was reminded that service, whether to the Crown or to a loved one is always part of a bigger human story.
2. The Book of Remembrance
Displayed under protective glass, the Book of Remembrance is one of the most moving artefacts in the Savoy Chapel. It is handwritten and illuminated in a traditional style, much like medieval manuscripts.
The book honours individuals connected to the chapel, recording their names, contributions, and sometimes short dedications. Every entry is crafted with care, respecting the memory of those who served their communities or the Royal Household.
3. The Stalls with Coats of Arms of Officers and Servants of the Order
In the choir stalls, more coats of arms decorate the woodwork. These represent officers, registrars, chaplains, and others who have served the Royal Victorian Order over the decades.
Each shield is different, but together they form a visual tapestry of dedication. They signal continuity across generations much like how caring roles pass through families, communities, and time.
You can almost imagine the individuals who once occupied these seats, each carrying out their duties with diligence. Their heraldry remains here as a testament to lives spent in service.
4. The Mantle and Insignia of a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order
One of the most striking displays was the ceremonial mantle worn by a Knight Grand Cross of the Royal Victorian Order (GCVO). The deep blue and crimson robe, gold tassels, and the star emblem reflect the highest grade of this honour.
The mantle’s presence is not merely decorative:
The GCVO is awarded personally by the monarch, not via government recommendation.
It recognises exceptional service to the Crown.
The Star, Badge, and Collar each represent centuries-old tradition.
5. The Royal Victorian Order and Medal Display
This framed display explains the different grades of the Royal Victorian Order (RVO) and shows examples of the insignia, including:
Knight/Dame Grand Cross (GCVO)
Knight/Dame Commander (KCVO/DCVO)
Commander (CVO)
Lieutenant (LVO)
Member (MVO)
Royal Victorian Medal (RVM) in Gold, Silver, and Bronze
The RVM is unique because it honours personal service by staff who support the Royal Household directly, often throughout a lifetime. The photos in the display include historical figures wearing the ribbons and badges, underscoring the order’s strong ties to loyalty and lifelong commitment.
Why These Artefacts Mattered at a Carers Event
These historical items weren’t just museum pieces; they told a story of service, loyalty, remembrance, and quiet strength. I think in that sense, they perfectly framed the Carers UK Christmas Service.
On Thursday 20th November, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the Memory, Wellbeing and Brain Health event hosted at Broadfield Community Centre in Crawley. Organised by Carers Support West Sussex, the event formed part of Carers Rights Day, bringing together carers, professionals, community teams, and people living with dementia for a day of learning, connection, and support.
Although I couldn’t stay for the full programme due to travelling to another Carers Rights Day engagement later that afternoon, I was grateful to take part in the early sessions and witness the energy and compassion that shaped the whole day.
Welcome to the latest edition of my unpaid carer newsletter for November This month’s release is full of insights, stories and resources to support carers across the UK.
On this year’s Carers Rights Day 2025 (Thursday 20 November), the theme is “Know your rights, use your rights.”
If you care for someone, whether it’s a partner, parent, child or friend; you may be missing out on vital support simply because you didn’t realise you have rights as a carer.
In my new video I walk you through what those rights actually are, and how you can use them in practice.
In this video you’ll discover:
Why recognising yourself as a carer matters
Key rights every carer should know (from assessments to flexible working)
How to make use of those rights in your daily life
Where to go for help, guidance and support
Click the link, take two minutes, and empower yourself today.
For Unpaid carers those who support loved ones living with long-term physical or mental health conditions, they face a unique set of challenges. The role is often demanding, emotionally taxing, and can feel isolating. Yet, in recent years, the rapid advancement of digital tools, apps, and online platforms has begun to transform the landscape of unpaid care, offering new avenues for support, organization, and connection.
My blog is a short transcript of my longer video below
Drawing from the lived experience as a passionate advocate for unpaid carers and an IT professional, my article and video explores how digitization, artificial intelligence, and mobile technology are reshaping the way informal carers manage their responsibilities. We’ll delve into the practical benefits, the most useful apps, and the limitations of technology in the caring role, providing a comprehensive guide for carers seeking to harness digital tools for their own well-being and the well-being of those they support.
Understanding the Role of Technology in Unpaid Care
The Growing Demands on Carers
Unpaid carers often juggle multiple responsibilities: managing medication schedules, tracking symptoms, coordinating appointments, and advocating for their loved ones with health professionals. The emotional and cognitive load can be overwhelming, especially when combined with work, family, and personal commitments.
As I points out, “As humans, we can only remember things so often. So, especially when we’re getting older or if we are under a lot of stress trying to juggle our caring role and busy lives, it does help to have apps that can schedule these things.”
The Promise of Digitization
Digitization offers carers a “second brain”, a way to offload tasks, reminders, and information, reducing stress and mental clutter. Mobile phones, now more powerful than ever, serve as hubs for health management, communication, and emotional support. But while technology can be transformative, it’s not without its challenges, including digital literacy, access, and the irreplaceable of value of human connection.
The Future of Care: Technology as an Empowering Force
The digital revolution is reshaping unpaid care, offering carers new ways to manage responsibilities, connect with others, and support their own well-being. While technology is not a replacement, it can be a powerful ally, reducing stress, improving organization, and fostering community.
As my experience shows, embracing digital tools can transform the caring journey. By leveraging apps for health management, communication, and emotional support, carers can reclaim control, reduce isolation, and find new sources of strength.
Ultimately, the goal is not to replace human kindness or connection, but to empower carers with the tools they need to thrive. With thoughtful adoption and ongoing support, technology can help unpaid carers navigate the challenges of their role and build a brighter, more connected future.
Resources and Recommendations my video covers
Essential Apps for Carers
Pill Reminder: Medication management and alerts
Medsafe: Medication tracking and scheduling
NHS App: Health records, care plans, and feedback (UK)
Google Calendar / Microsoft Outlook: Appointment and routine management
To-Do List / Trello: Task organization
Zoom / Microsoft Teams / Google Chat: Virtual support groups and communication
Siri / Google Assistant: Voice commands and reminders
AI Journals / Well-being Apps: Emotional support and mindfulness
Tips for Safe and Effective Use
Choose reputable apps with strong privacy policies
Keep software updated to ensure security
Seek training or support if you’re new to digital tools
Balance online and offline support for holistic well-being
Conclusion
Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes of our communities, providing vital support to those living with long-term ill health. The rise of digital tools and technology offers new hope, making the caring role more manageable, less isolating, and more connected.
By embracing digitization, carers can streamline their responsibilities, access emotional support, and build resilient communities. While challenges remain, the future of care is bright, powered by technology and the enduring spirit of human kindness.
The recent Carers Forum brought together unpaid carers, health professionals, and community organisations from across South London to share updates, experiences, and ideas for improving mental health support. The event, chaired by Matthew McKenzie, created a safe and open space for carers to connect, exchange information, and have their questions heard by local health leaders.
Setting the Scene
Matthew opened the session by welcoming carers from across Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark. He spoke about the importance of providing carers with dedicated time to hear from service providers, particularly those supporting someone with mental ill-health and to ensure their voices shape local mental health strategies.
As someone who’s been advocating for carers for years through A Caring Mind, I know how important it is that carers’ experiences influence the way support systems are built. The OSMOSIS project offers a real chance to help improve understanding and services for those of us supporting loved ones with severe mental health conditions.
If you are caring for someone living with psychosis, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, here’s an opportunity to make your voice heard.
Today, I had the privilege of being part of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Mental Health Fair, held on Thursday 2nd October, in recognition of World Mental Health Day 2025.
The event brought together a wide range of organisations and community groups working tirelessly to support the mental health and wellbeing of patients, families, and carers.
Why carers need to be at the heart of mental health conversations
As someone who has cared for a loved one experiencing mental health challenges, I know firsthand the importance of recognising and supporting carers through the groups i run.
By Matthew McKenzie – Carer activist and facilitator of the group
The group is a community of carers in Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham that exists to provide support, advocacy, and connection for people looking after loved ones living with mental illness. It brings together unpaid carers of all ages and backgrounds to share experiences, learn from one another, and build confidence in dealing with health and social care professionals. A core part of its mission is reducing isolation by creating a safe space where carers can speak openly, develop skills, and access practical resources like advocacy services.
The meeting began with introductions and updates from various participants, including myselff where I discussed work with London Hospitals and the NHS app, while other carers introduced themselves to the group. In attendance was Tama from PohWer presented information about carer complaints and support services across different regions, including discussions about the potential impact of Healthwatch’s dissolution on patient and carer support services.
A Caring Mind 