Tag Archives: carers lived experience

Carers Week Celebration 2026: A Day of Recognition, Reflection and Resilience

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:

  1. Identifying carers early in their caring journey.
  2. Helping carers maintain family and community life.
  3. Supporting carers’ physical and mental wellbeing.
  4. 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.

Attending the West Kent Paddock Wood Carers Group

By Matthew McKenzie – Carer Activist

Recently, I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the West Kent Paddock Wood Group, and I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the experience, not just as a speaker, but as a mental health carer among peers who truly understand the journey.

The session took place at Unit 1 Eastlands, Maidstone Road in Paddock Wood, a welcoming and accessible venue that immediately set the tone for openness and support. From the moment I arrived, it was clear that this was a safe space. The event was hosted by Naomi Muigua who is the Social Care Involvement Officer.

The structure of the morning was thoughtfully organised, with time for introductions, discussion, and shared learning, all underpinned by respect, confidentiality, and equality among attendees .

A Community that works to understand carers

What stood out to me most was the diversity of lived experience in the room. Carers supporting loved ones with dementia, autism, and complex health needs came together, each bringing their own story, challenges, and resilience. It reinforced something I’ve long believed: carers often feel invisible in wider society, but in spaces like this, they are seen, heard, and valued.

The group is supported by organisations and professionals who are genuinely committed to reducing isolation and improving access to services. From digital inclusion to transport and community support, there’s a real effort to make sure carers are not left navigating the system alone

Sharing My Journey as a Mental Health Carer

As the invited speaker, I spoke from my own lived experience as a mental health carer. My journey began as a young carer supporting my mother, who developed schizophrenia, while also helping care for my brothers with non-verbal autism. Over the years, that experience has shaped not only my life, but my purpose.

During my talk, I shared:

  • The emotional reality of becoming a carer—often suddenly, without preparation
  • The confusion and isolation that can come with navigating mental health systems
  • The importance of recognising carers as partners in care, not just bystanders
  • The long-term impact on mental health, identity, and wellbeing

I also spoke about the concept of “lived experience”—something I feel strongly should be embedded in health and social care systems. If professionals are to truly understand and support carers, they need to hear directly from those who live it every day.

One of the key messages I left with the group was this:
Carers are the hidden link that holds everything together. Without them, the system simply could not function.

This was taken from my poem off my book.

The Conversations of the group

What made the session particularly powerful wasn’t just the presentation, it was the discussion that followed. Carers openly spoke about:

  • Not knowing where to go for help
  • The complexity of accessing services
  • Feeling that outcomes often depend on how well you can advocate
  • The emotional toll of long-term caring

These are not small issues, they are systemic challenges. But spaces like this group allow those conversations to happen honestly, and more importantly, collectively.

Why Groups Like This Matter

The West Kent Paddock Wood Group is actually a lifeline to carers as it provides:

  • A supportive peer network
  • Access to information and local services
  • A platform for carers’ voices to be heard
  • A sense of belonging that many carers lack

For anyone who is caring for a loved one, especially in mental health, I cannot stress enough how important it is to connect with others who understand. You don’t have to do this alone.

Final Thoughts

Leaving the session, I felt both humbled and encouraged. Humbled by the strength of the carers in the room, and encouraged by the existence of a group that is actively working to support them.

If you are a carer in Kent, or even just exploring what support is available, I would strongly recommend attending the West Kent Paddock Wood Group. It is a space where your voice matters, your experience is valid, and your wellbeing is recognised.

For me, it was not just an opportunity to speak, it was an opportunity to connect, learn, and continue advocating for carers everywhere.

If you want to find out more about Kent County Council support for unpaid carers, see link below.

https://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/adult-social-care/care-and-support/caring-for-other-people/support-for-carers