By Matthew McKenzie – Carer, Author, Poet and Host of the Carers UK Information Stall 10 June 2026, Perceval House, Ealing
As a carer myself, supporting both of my brothers, I understand that caring is often a role we never planned for, yet one we embrace out of love, duty and commitment. It can be rewarding, but it can also be isolating, exhausting and overwhelming. That is why events such as the Carers Week Celebration 2026, organised by Ealing Carers Partnership, Ealing Carers Hub and Ealing Council, are so important.
I think it reminds us that carers matter, that our voices are heard and that we are not alone.
Having the privilege of hosting the Carers UK information stall, while also attending as a carer, poet and author, I witnessed first-hand the incredible sense of community that filled Perceval House throughout the day.
The event brought together carers, professionals, charities, community organisations and council representatives for a celebration that was both informative and inspiring. Alongside the opportunity to gather information and advice, carers enjoyed complimentary refreshments, free manicures from students of Uxbridge College, artwork exhibitions and the chance to connect with others who truly understand the caring journey.
Carer Stalls of Support and Opportunities
One of the highlights of the day was the large exhibition area, where carers could meet a wide range of organisations offering support, guidance and practical services.
The information stalls represented the breadth of support available across Ealing and North West London. Throughout the day carers visited displays from organisations including:
Carers UK
Ealing Carers Partnership
Ealing Carers Hub
Mind
RISE
Ealing Advice Service
Harlington Hospice / Harlington Care
Independent Mental Health Advocacy Services
Volunteer Centre Ealing
Eating Disorders Support Services
Community wellbeing organisations
Health and social care providers
Local voluntary sector groups
Arts and creativity projects for carers
Community engagement and peer support groups
Many stalls offered practical information about carers’ rights, benefits, wellbeing support, mental health services, respite opportunities, advocacy and volunteering. Others showcased creative projects and community activities designed to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.
It was also great to see Carer Poetry displayed including the Carer Poetry group I run with Ealing Carers.
At the Carers UK stall, I had numerous conversations with carers who were seeking information about financial support, carers’ assessments, employment rights and how to balance caring responsibilities with their own health and wellbeing. What struck me most was how many carers were attending such an event for the first time and discovering services they never knew existed.
The exhibition also featured the moving “A Carer Is…” artwork display, where carers expressed their experiences through art. The exhibition provided a powerful reminder that caring is not simply a task—it is an emotional journey filled with love, sacrifice, resilience and hope.
Listening to Carers: The Ealing Carers Forum and Council Presentations
A major focus of the day was the Carers Forum and Question & Answer Session, where carers had the opportunity to hear directly from council leaders and ask questions about services, support and future plans.
The event was opened by senior representatives who acknowledged the enormous contribution carers make every day.
Among the key speakers were:
Paul Driscoll, Cabinet Member for Healthy Equal Lives, Ealing Council
Kashmir Takhar, Ealing’s Carers Commissioner
Senior representatives from Adult Social Care
Sophie (Assistant Director, Adult Social Care)
Representatives from Ealing Carers Partnership
Representatives from Ealing Carers Hub
Jane Wheeler, Chief Executive of Harlington Hospice
Paul Driscoll spoke about his commitment to understanding carers’ experiences and ensuring that Ealing’s Carers Strategy becomes a meaningful reality rather than simply another policy document. He emphasised the importance of recognition, support and partnership working with carers.
The presentation by Kashmir Takhar focused on Ealing’s Carers Strategy, a joint strategy developed in partnership with carers, health services, social care and voluntary sector organisations. The strategy highlights four key priorities:
Identifying carers early in their caring journey.
Helping carers maintain family and community life.
Supporting carers’ physical and mental wellbeing.
Helping carers maximise income and achieve their potential.
The presentation revealed that there are approximately 24,000 carers in Ealing, although many remain hidden and do not identify themselves as carers. It also highlighted the growing challenges carers face around mental health, financial pressures, access to services, respite care and social isolation.
Particularly encouraging was hearing about plans to improve access to information, increase wellbeing activities, strengthen respite opportunities and expand support for young carers and working carers.
The Power of Carers’ Voices
One of the most important aspects of the forum was the open discussion session.
Carers shared their personal experiences, raising concerns about respite services, communication between council departments, transport arrangements and the challenges of navigating complex systems while already carrying significant caring responsibilities.
A particularly powerful contribution came from a carer who described how difficult it had been to arrange respite care due to poor coordination between services. The honesty and emotion behind this contribution resonated with many people in the room because it reflected experiences that carers often face but rarely have opportunities to discuss publicly.
Council representatives acknowledged these concerns and committed to improving communication, responsiveness and coordination across services. Assistant Director Sophie openly recognised that carers deserve better experiences and welcomed continued feedback to help shape future improvements.
Representatives from frontline organisations, including Ealing Advice Service, also highlighted recurring issues encountered by carers and stressed the importance of joined-up working between agencies.
Later in the session, Jane Wheeler from Harlington Hospice explained how the organisation’s carers’ short break service supports carers through home-based respite, community outings and specialist support. Her presentation reinforced the message that carers themselves need care, support and opportunities to recharge.
It was more than just a Carers Event
As the day came to a close, what remained was a sense of connection.
For many carers, simply being in a room full of people who understood their experiences was invaluable. There was laughter, conversation, shared stories and moments of reflection. New friendships were formed, information was exchanged and carers left knowing that support is available.
From my own perspective, hosting the Carers UK stall and speaking with so many dedicated carers reinforced why events like this matter. Caring can often feel invisible. The hours spent supporting loved ones frequently go unnoticed by wider society. Yet carers are the backbone of our communities and health systems.
The Carers Week Celebration reminded us that carers deserve recognition not just during one week each year but every day.
To everyone who organised the event, staffed a stall, delivered a presentation, volunteered their time or simply attended and shared their story, I thank you.
Most importantly, to every unpaid carer reading this: thank you for everything you do.
By Matthew McKenzie – Chair of the Carers Hospital Discharge group
Hospital discharge remains one of the most critical and stressful moments for unpaid carers, patients and healthcare professionals alike. During the recent Carers Hospital Discharge Group meeting held in May 2026, professionals, carers, NHS leaders, hospital representatives and community organisations came together to discuss major developments affecting carers across London and beyond.
The Carers Hospital Discharge meeting runs every 2 months and for the month of May we discussed improving hospital discharge processes, strengthening carer identification, digital inclusion, community support and the growing role of technology in healthcare planning.
The blog update is for those unable to attend, here is a summary of the key discussions, presentations, questions and responses shared during the session.
Universal Care Plan Expansion Through the NHS App
One of the biggest updates came from NHS England, who shared exciting news about the expansion of the Universal Care Plan (UCP).
The new development allows patients and members of the public to begin creating their own Universal Care Plans directly through the NHS App. Previously, only clinicians could initiate many aspects of these plans.
NHS England explained that editable sections now include areas such as:
“What matters to me”
Communication preferences
Care and contingency plans
Personal support needs
Clinical sections, however, remain under healthcare professional control.
Updates described the project as a major milestone after years of discussion about allowing people greater control over their own care information.
Question from attendee:
“Will carers be able to input on behalf of their cared-for person?”
response from presenter:
At present, carers cannot directly complete plans on behalf of another person due to safeguarding and proxy access concerns. However, carers can still complete their own care contingency plans within the system.
It was explained that this means if a carer suddenly becomes unable to provide care, emergency services and healthcare providers would be alerted that a contingency plan exists.
They also noted that community organisations could potentially support individuals with completing plans, provided appropriate governance and data security arrangements are in place.
The discussion highlighted both the opportunities and challenges of balancing digital access with safeguarding responsibilities
*****
For more developments on the Universal Care PLan, I have provided the link below of the recent Webinar
New Research on Social Networks and Healthcare Support
Matthew McKenzie introduced an emerging research project led by Queen Mary University of London alongside several major universities including Harvard, Oxford and Warwick.
The project aims to explore how patients’ social support networks influence health outcomes, hospital admissions and long-term wellbeing.
Researchers are developing tools to map patients’ support systems, including:
Family carers
Friends
Peer groups
Community support
Online social networks
The project seeks to better understand how strong support systems can improve self-management and reduce avoidable hospital admissions.
Matthew explained that researchers are particularly interested in understanding:
Whether support network mapping would feel helpful or intrusive
How carers should be recognised within healthcare systems
How cultural differences affect support networks
What safeguards around privacy and consent are needed
The proposal sparked interest among attendees because it reflects a wider NHS shift toward community-based care and prevention.
NHS England connected the project to wider work around “family group conferencing,” where whole-family approaches are used to plan care and support more collaboratively.
NHS England’s Urgent and Emergency Care Strategy 2025/26
A major section of the meeting focused on NHS England’s emerging Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) Strategy.
Matthew presented some notes on NHS England UEC outlining plans to:
Reduce avoidable hospital admissions
Deliver more care within communities
Expand digital healthcare access
Improve hospital discharge pathways
Strengthen operational efficiency
Key proposals included:
AI-enabled triage systems
NHS App navigation tools
Digitally coordinated urgent care
Expanded community-based treatment
Greater use of early intervention models
However, the discussion quickly moved toward the potential risks associated with rapid digital transformation.
Participants concerns:
Representatives covering Hospitals, raised important concerns about how discharge pressures could negatively affect carers.:
“If somebody urgently needs that hospital bed, the pressure becomes getting people discharged quickly. That may not always leave enough time to identify carers properly.”
They stressed that carer identification should happen throughout the patient journey not only during discharge.
They highlighted opportunities for identification during:
Outpatient appointments
Pre-assessment clinics
Routine hospital interactions
Concerns About Digital Poverty
Another major concern involved digital exclusion.
Participants warned that:
Older people
People with dementia
Individuals without smartphones
People facing poverty
Non-English speakers
Neurodivergent individuals
could all struggle if urgent care becomes too dependent on digital systems.
It was mentioned that meeting carers who still rely entirely on phone calls rather than online platforms and stressed the need for alternative accessible routes into care.
Others agreed and referenced an Equality Impact Assessment linked to the NHS 10-Year Plan, which explores risks around digital inequality and vulnerable groups being left behind.
A major highlight will be the attendance of Sir Ed Davey, who is himself a well-known advocate for unpaid carers due to his own lived experience caring for family members. His involvement is expected to help raise awareness of the challenges carers face daily.
KCN also spoke about Kingston Carers Network’s ongoing efforts to strengthen links with Kingston Hospital. The organisation already receives referrals through the hospital’s carers liaison department, helping unpaid carers access emotional support, information and practical guidance following hospital admissions or discharge.
However, KCN is now trying to expand its presence inside the hospital itself through more direct face-to-face outreach work. Plans are being discussed to establish regular information stands within hospital settings so carers can receive support earlier and more proactively.
KCN explained that while these conversations are progressing, coordinating regular in-hospital outreach remains challenging due to logistical pressures and scheduling issues. Despite this, the organisation continues to work closely with hospital teams to improve visibility and engagement with carers.
Beyond hospital settings, Kingston Carers Network continues to deliver several outreach programmes throughout the borough. Staff regularly attend local groups, community spaces and events to identify carers who may not realise support is available to them.
North Central London Carers Support Project
Eleanor updated the group on work taking place across:
Barnet
Camden
Enfield
Haringey
Islington
The project works in partnership with multiple NHS trusts and carers organisations across North Central London with the aim of creating a more consistent and coordinated approach to identifying and supporting unpaid carers.
At the centre of the programme is the development of a standard operating procedure for carers within hospitals and healthcare settings. The goal is to ensure carers are recognised earlier, referred more efficiently and supported more consistently regardless of which hospital or borough they engage with.
One of the project’s biggest developments has been the creation of a dedicated carers referral website. Eleanor explained that the system is designed to simplify the referral process for healthcare professionals. When a referral is submitted through the portal, the system automatically directs the carer to the appropriate local carers organisation based on their postcode.
The intention is to remove confusion for hospital staff while helping carers access support much faster.
Eleanor described the project as an effort to make support pathways:
Easier for professionals to navigate
More accessible for carers
Better integrated across borough boundaries
Less dependent on individual staff knowledge
A major focus of the project continues to be embedding carer awareness into everyday hospital practice.
Carer Awareness Training Expanding Across Hospitals
The team has made significant progress with carer awareness training sessions delivered across several NHS trusts.
Regular drop-in training sessions are now taking place with:
The Whittington Trust
The Royal Free
North London Mental Health Trust services
Eleanor shared that attendance at some sessions has now exceeded 40 healthcare staff members, which she described as a major success.
The training focuses on:
Identifying unpaid carers earlier
Understanding carers’ rights and needs
Improving referral pathways
Increasing staff confidence when supporting carers
Embedding carer recognition into routine clinical practice
Importantly, the project measures the effectiveness of these sessions using confidence ratings before and after training. Eleanor reported that most staff attending show at least a one- or two-level increase in confidence around identifying and supporting carers after participating.
North Central London’s Focus on Carers Week and Community Engagement
Preparations for Carers Week are also a major priority for the project.
The team plans to host information stalls and awareness events at several hospitals including:
The Whittington Hospital
University College London Hospital (UCLH)
Barnet Hospital
These events aim to:
Raise awareness of unpaid carers
Promote available support services
Encourage hospital staff to make referrals
Help carers connect with local organisations
Lewisham Council Developments
Updates from Lewisham was on the ongoing work taking place across Lewisham to improve support for unpaid carers, particularly through closer collaboration between hospitals, carers organisations and local commissioners.
A major development has been Lewisham Hospital’s involvement in the South East London pilot programme focused on creating a standard operating procedure for carers across NHS trusts. The pilot aims to improve consistency in how carers are identified, supported and referred within hospital settings.
It was explained that Lewisham Hospital has been working closely with Imago, the borough’s commissioned carers support provider, to strengthen partnerships with hospital nursing teams and improve awareness of carers across wards and services.
Particular emphasis is now being placed on:
Increasing carer awareness training
Improving communication between services
Embedding carer identification into routine hospital practice
Strengthening links between healthcare and community support
Inspired by discussions during the meeting, it was also highlighted plans to explore integrating carer identification into regular auditing and review processes within hospital settings similar to initiatives already underway in other trusts.
Redesigning Lewisham’s Future Carers Service
One of the most significant updates involved the redesign of Lewisham’s carers support service model.
They shared that the current commissioned contract for carers services is due to end in January 2027, and work is already underway to shape the next phase of support provision.
Importantly, unpaid carers themselves are playing a central role in developing the new model.
A series of co-production sessions has been held with carers across the borough to ensure their lived experiences directly influence future service design. These discussions are helping shape priorities around:
Access to support
Communication with carers
Outreach and identification
Emotional wellbeing services
Practical support needs
Hospital discharge experiences
The borough hopes to move into procurement for the redesigned service later this year.
Carers Hub Lambeth
Carers Hub Lambeth shared an update on the organisation’s ongoing work supporting unpaid carers across King’s College Hospital and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trusts.
Although the current hospital carers project funding has been extended for an additional six months, Jen explained that the programme is now approaching its final phase, with funding currently due to end in September 2026.
As a result, the team’s main focus is now on ensuring hospitals become as self-sufficient as possible in identifying and supporting carers once the dedicated project ends.
Expanding Carer Awareness Training
A major priority for Lambeth Carers Hub is expanding carer awareness training for healthcare professionals.
It was explained that the organisation has:
Increased training sessions from once to twice monthly
Begun arranging bespoke sessions with individual hospital teams
Expanded engagement with primary care networks
Updated training materials to address barriers to carer identification
The training aims to help healthcare staff:
Recognise unpaid carers earlier
Understand carers’ support needs
Improve referral pathways
Build confidence in conversations with carers
Embed carers into routine healthcare practice
Carers Hub Lambeth acknowledged that while training sessions often generate an immediate increase in referrals, maintaining long-term momentum remains challenging.
It was mentioned that a familiar pattern where professionals attend training, referrals increase temporarily, and then gradually reduce again as competing clinical pressures take over.
Because of this, the organisation is now trying to better understand:
Why carers continue to be missed
What barriers staff face in identifying carers
How carer awareness can become part of everyday practice rather than an additional task
This reflects a wider challenge discussed throughout the meeting — ensuring carer support becomes embedded within healthcare systems rather than dependent on individual staff enthusiasm.
Embedding Carer Recognition Into Everyday Hospital Practice
One of the most practical discussions came from GESH update on integrating carers into routine hospital auditing processes.
St George’s and Epsom and St Helier Hospitals are now:
Adding carer identification questions into ward audits
Including carers within routine quality checks
Training volunteers to identify carers on wards
Embedding carers into “business as usual” practice
Wendy also spoke extensively about the NHS “Reasonable Adjustments Digital Flag,” a major NHS initiative designed to ensure patients’ accessibility needs are recognised across services.
The system aims to help hospitals and GP services better identify:
Communication needs
Disabilities
Neurodivergence
Mental health conditions
Carer-related support needs
The long-term goal is for healthcare systems to automatically recognise and share reasonable adjustment requirements across services.
Final Reflections
The meeting demonstrated both optimism and concern about the future direction of health and social care.
There was strong agreement that:
Community-based care is necessary
Earlier intervention can prevent hospital admissions
Carers must be identified earlier
Digital systems offer opportunities
However, participants repeatedly stressed that healthcare transformation must not leave vulnerable people behind.
Carers remain central to safe discharge, patient wellbeing and long-term community support. As NHS services increasingly move toward digital and community-led models, ensuring carers are recognised, supported and included will remain critical.
The next Carers Hospital Discharge Group meeting is expected to take place in July 2026.
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 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.
By Matthew McKenzie – Carer activist (volunteer of Carers UK)
Last night I attended the Mary Webster Lecture at Apothecaries’ Hall in London, a special event marking Carers UK’s 60th anniversary. As someone who has cared for family members and now volunteers with Carers UK, it was moving to sit among other carers, professionals, and campaigners who have worked so hard for recognition and equality.
The event honoured Reverend Mary Webster, the founder of Carers UK, whose vision decades ago helped lay the foundations for unpaid carers’ rights. Today, as we still fight for equality and understanding, her legacy feels more important than ever.
Setting the Scene
Apothecaries’ Hall is a grand, historic space filled with portraits and a sense of tradition. But it also felt like the right place to discuss change how we can build a future where carers are respected and supported equally. The evening began with warm welcomes and reflections from Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK. She reminded us that while progress has been made, many unpaid carers still live in poverty, often earning less than the minimum wage for full-time dedication.
Then came the highlight of the evening a talk by The Right Reverend and Right Honourable Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London and recently named Archbishop of Canterbury Designate, in conversation with Baroness Jill Pitkeathley OBE, long-time carer champion and former Carers UK CEO.
Dignity in Caring
Bishop Sarah spoke with warmth and honesty about her journey from nursing to the Church. What struck me most was her story about washing her grandmother’s feet when she was a young nurse, which a simple act that carried deep dignity. She used that image to describe caring itself: often quiet, unseen, but filled with compassion and humanity.
Her message was clear that care is about dignity. Every person, regardless of ability, age, or background, has value. She reminded us that dependency isn’t weakness it’s part of being human. We all depend on others at different points in our lives.
As a Black male carer, that message really resonated. In many of our communities, caring happens quietly, often behind closed doors, without recognition or support. Bishop Sarah’s words reminded me that this invisible work deserves to be seen and respected not just by policy makers, but by society as a whole.
Lessons on Equality and Faith
Baroness Pitkeathley joined Bishop Sarah for a deep conversation about equality today and tomorrow. They reflected on how far carers’ rights have come and how far we still have to go. From health and financial struggles to workplace inequality, many of the same challenges from the 1990s remain today.
Bishop Sarah also spoke about the Church’s Reimagining Care Commission, which calls for a new “covenant of care” a moral agreement between government, communities, and families to share responsibility for those who need care. It’s not just about services, but about values: compassion, respect, and community.
Hearing that from someone soon to become the Archbishop of Canterbury gave me hope. It felt like a recognition that faith, ethics, and social justice must go hand in hand.
Voices from the Floor
The Q&A that followed was emotional and powerful. Carers from the audience spoke up about their struggles housing, mental health, disability, and the loneliness that caring can bring.
One carer shared the pain of fighting for proper housing for her disabled son; another spoke about the toll on her own health. Each voice reminded me that caring is more than statistics it’s real people doing extraordinary things every day, often without support.
My Reflection as a Black Carer Activist
As I looked around the room, I thought of the carers in Black and ethnic minority communities who face extra barriers language, stigma, or fear of not being understood. Too often, our voices are missing from the conversation. I decided to have a chat with Dame Sarah Mullally about my thoughts, still nights like this show that inclusion is possible, and necessary.
Equality for carers means also recognising our diversity on different cultures, faiths, and family structures and ensuring that every carer can access the help they need, without judgement or struggle.
I left the event feeling encouraged but also challenged. Encouraged by the leadership and compassion of women like Bishop Sarah and Baroness Pitkeathley, who continue to champion carers’ rights. Challenged, because the journey isn’t over and each of us, whatever our background, has a role to play.
A Call for Tomorrow
Sixty years after Mary Webster founded Carers UK, unpaid carers are still holding society together.
We save the country billions, yet too many of us live in hardship. As Bishop Sarah said, we must rethink how we value care not as a cost, but as a cornerstone of our humanity.
For me, as a carer activist, that means continuing to speak up, share stories, and bring carers from all communities together. Because equality today and tomorrow starts with being seen, heard, and valued.
By Matthew McKenzie, Facilitator, National Ethnic Mental Health Carer Forum
Introduction: A Forum that Connects and Challenges
As the facilitator of the National Ethnic Mental Health Carer Forum, I never take for granted how special these sessions are. Each month, carers, professionals, and researchers from all over the UK log in to share knowledge, raise awareness, and push for change in how mental health services understand and support ethnic minority communities.
Our October 2025 session was a powerful one. Falling on the last day of Black History Month, it brought together crucial themes on race equality, co-production, research, and carer visibility.
We heard from two key areas shaping mental health equity right now:
The OSMOSIS Project, led by Dr. Jacqueline Sin and Sharon Galliford, focusing on developing social care-based support for carers of people with psychosis.
The Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF), presented by Aboobaker Bhana, Equality and Involvement Manager for South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
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.
Today I had the opportunity to be interviewed for the Specsavers Carers Hub, a platform that shares real stories, advice, and support for those who dedicate their lives to caring. It was a chance to reflect not only on my role as a carer but also on the deeper themes of healing, connection, and creativity that shape my journey.
Telling My Story
As someone with lived experience of caring for my mother and brothers, I know first-hand how demanding and emotional the role of an unpaid carer can be. I shared their story through my words and memories.
Speaking on camera about my caring role reminded me why visibility matters. Carers often go unseen, yet carer voices hold the power to inspire change, raise awareness, and remind others that they are not alone.
The Importance of Self-Healing
One of the most important parts of my journey has been recognising the need for self-care and self-healing. Carers often put the needs of others before their own, but to continue supporting loved ones, we must nurture our own wellbeing. Whether through reflection, community, or creative outlets, finding ways to heal is not selfish.
Connecting with Carers
During the interview, I spoke about the importance of connection. Meeting other carers, whether through groups, campaigns from Carers UK, or online spaces, brings a sense of solidarity. I wont say much about the interview, you will need to watch the video when it is released.
The Power of Poetry and Words
For me, poetry has always been a form of healing. Writing and performing allows me to give shape to emotions that are often hard to express. In the beginning of my caring journey, words were painful, but after a while words can be medicine they can validate, soothe, and inspire both writer and listener.
A Special Thanks to Specsavers
I couldn’t end without mentioning the role my Specsavers glasses played in my journey. Whether it’s writing late into the night, reading the works that inspire me, or standing up to perform poetry, my glasses have been an essential tool.
To check out previous carer stories, please viset the Specsavers Carers Hub below.
A Caring Mind 