Tag Archives: carer wellbeing

Healing Through Words: Poetry Workshop at West Ealing Library – 18th September

By Matthew McKenzie – Carer poet and Carer activist

On the 18th of September, West Ealing Library once again became a hub of creativity, reflection, and connection as carers gathered for our second poetry workshop. Guided by carer activist and writer Matthew McKenzie, the session offered not just writing prompts, but a safe and supportive space to explore the healing power of words.

Poetry as Expression and Healing

The morning began with Matthew sharing his personal journey from caring for his mother living with schizophrenia, to writing books on mental health and carer experiences, and now using poetry as a tool for both advocacy and self-expression.

For many carers, life can feel isolating, exhausting, and invisible to wider society. Poetry offered participants a way to give voice to those emotions. As I reminded carers, “Poetry gives shape to what’s hard to say” — even if it’s just a few lines scribbled on paper, those words can carry truth, comfort, and even influence change.

Continue reading →

Voices of Mental Health Carers: Poetry & Stories

The Power of Poetry and Storytelling in the Lives of Carers

Caring for a loved one with mental health challenges or chronic illness is a journey marked by both hardship and hope. Too often, the voices of carers those who provide unpaid, tireless support are overlooked in the broader conversation about health and wellbeing. Yet, as this moving gathering of carers and poets reveals, storytelling and poetry can be transformative tools for connection, healing, and advocacy. So it was an honour to host our first poetry event at Cygnet Churchill for the 13th of June during Carers Week 2025

This Blog explores the themes, experiences, and creative expressions shared by carers, drawing from a vibrant community event centered on poetry, storytelling, and the lived realities of those who care. Through their words, we gain insight into the emotional landscape of caring, the challenges faced, and the resilience that emerges when stories are shared.

To watch the performance, please view the video below.

Giving Carers a Voice: The Motivation Behind the Book

The host of the event was myself (Matthew McKenzie), as a prolific author and advocate, where I have dedicated my eighth book to amplifying the voices of mental health carers. For me, books are more than just a means of communication they are a way to reach people who might otherwise remain unheard.

Continue reading →

Cygnet National Carers Event – Carers Week 2025

By Matthew McKenzie, Carer Ambassador, Cygnet Health Care

On Friday 13th June 2025, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at Cygnet Health Care’s National Carers Event, hosted at Cygnet Churchill in Lambeth, London. The event brought together carers, staff, professionals, and advocates to reflect on the vital role of unpaid carers who step up daily out of love, resilience, and responsibility, often with little recognition.

Carers Week is always a powerful reminder that caring touches us all – and Cygnet’s event this year was especially moving and informative. It offered a platform for carers to share their lived experience, influence policy, and strengthen our collective voice.

Agenda Highlights

The day opened with a warm welcome from Laura Sheridan & Shane Mills, setting the tone for a day grounded in empathy and collaboration. We heard from a range of speakers including:

  • Susan Hartnell-Beavis, sharing practical tools for supporting carers.
  • Kate Mercer and Carly Ellicott, who both championed carer involvement in care planning and research.
  • John Bangs OBE, who brought a national perspective on carer rights and policy.
  • Dr Angela Misra, who tackled the health implications of caregiving.
  • Julian de Takats and Matthew McKenzie (myself), focusing on empowering carers’ voices.
  • We also had insights from Dr Henk Swanepoel & Sophie Borg, who presented on collaborative approaches with carers in mental health services.
Continue reading →

West London NHS Carers Event at the Irish Cultural Centre — A Community United

Written by: Matthew McKenzie – WLHT co-facilitator of ethnic carer group and Triangle of Care Community Chair

The Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith was filled with warmth and purpose on June 12th, as carers, professionals, and community leaders came together for the West London NHS Trust’s Carers Event in support of Carers Week 2025.

As Chair of the Triangle of Care Community and an involved carer for West London NHS Trust, I was interested in the carers conversations, and sense of solidarity among all those present.

Continue reading →

Celebrating Carers Week 2025: Ealing and Hillingdon Community Come Together

On Tuesday, 10th June 2025, the Dominion Centre in Southall hosted a vibrant and deeply informative Carers Week Celebration.

Organised by the Ealing Carers Partnership and supported by various local organisations, the event honoured unpaid carers with a day of connection, education, and appreciation.

Carers Week 2025: Caring About Equality

This year’s theme, Caring About Equality, highlighted the challenges faced by unpaid carers, particularly those from marginalised communities and called for fair access to services, recognition, and support.

The event was a powerful reminder that equality means meeting people where they are and valuing every carer’s contribution.

Continue reading →

Carers Week 2025: Supporting Unpaid Mental Health Carers

Help raise awareness for unpaid mental health carers during Carers Week 2025. Learn how to support and recognize their vital, often unseen role in society. To watch the video of this blog, click the video below

Recognizing the Unseen: The Vital Role of Unpaid Carers in Mental Health

Every year, Carers Week serves as a powerful reminder of the millions of individuals who dedicate their lives to supporting loved ones with health challenges often without recognition, compensation, or adequate support.

Continue reading →

New Greenwich Carers Drop-In Sessions – No Referral Needed!

Are you a carer in the Woolwich area? Take a well-deserved break and connect with others at our brand-new Carers Drop-In sessions! Whether you’re looking for support, information, or simply a chance to chat with others who understand, you’re warmly welcome—no referral needed.

📍 Location: 105 Powis Street, Woolwich, SE18 6JB
📞 Contact: 0204 524 2685
📧 For enquiries: Ruth.abner@nhs.net

🗓 Upcoming Dates:

  • 17 June | 10:00–12:00
  • 25 June | 14:00–16:00
  • 16 September | 10:00–12:00
  • 24 September | 14:00–16:00

Drop by, take a moment for yourself, and let’s support each other. You’re not alone.

Lead with Love: Stress Awareness Month 2025

Embracing Stress Awareness Month by Matthew McKenzie

Stress Awareness Month, observed every April, serves as a powerful reminder to pause, reflect, and take charge of our well-being.

To watch the awareness video, click below.

In 2025, the theme for Stress Awareness Month is “Lead with Love,” which encourages us to approach both ourselves and others with kindness, compassion, and acceptance. This movement is orchestrated by the Stress Management Society, a nonprofit organization founded in 2003 dedicated to helping individuals and organizations manage stress, improve well-being, and build resilience.

The Importance of Stress Awareness Month

Continue reading →

Supporting Unpaid Carers: Greenwich Carers Forum – Mental Health Event

On Wednesday 26th March, I had the pleasure of attending and representing Carers UK along with Greenwich Carers MH carers grouos. This was at the Greenwich Carers centre – Carers Forum – Mental Health event.

The event was held in the building and then in a beautiful garden setting surrounded by passionate individuals and organisations all focused on supporting unpaid carers. As someone who’s deeply involved in carer advocacy, this was more than just an information stall, it was a moment to connect, empower, and share resources that can make a real difference in someone’s life.

Continue reading →

How to Cope as a carer

Welcome to another blog from carer activist Matthew McKenzie. You know, when I first was caring for someone, I did not pay much attention to detail. I just rushed in and tried to care for my mother without much thought to how to support myself.

In the end, I had to reflect back about my experiences. I had to share what I had learned as a carer, so then I wrote a book called “A Caring Mind”.

Still, writing a book is not enough, I had to write blogs and make videos in order to influence and raise carer awareness.

It is so important to stop and think about the long journey ahead. We are not certain of the future, but one thing I can tell many carers is that there certainly will be challenges and frustrations.

I felt it was high time to do a short video reminding others that there are ways to cope when caring. We do not need to rush and exhaust ourselves when providing unpaid care, or at least limit the challenges.

Feel free to watch my short video below on how to cope as a carer.