Tag Archives: Carers Mental Health

Who Cares for the Carer? International Stress Awareness Week 2026

Matthew McKenzie — Caring Mind

As International Stress Awareness Week 2026 draws to a close, I want to highlight the pressures carried by unpaid carers and why their wellbeing must remain part of the conversation throughout the year.

Supporting a relative or friend can mean balancing appointments, employment, financial worries and disrupted sleep. Even during a quiet moment, a carer’s mind may still be on duty, thinking about what might happen next.

In my latest Caring Mind video, I explore these pressures and share some practical ways carers can find support.

Recognising the person behind the caring role

Carers need opportunities to speak honestly about stress without feeling guilty or judged. For some ethnic minority carers, racism, language barriers and having their concerns dismissed can add further pressure.

Taking a short break, enjoying poetry or music, or talking with someone supportive may help. Asking for specific practical assistance such as shopping or help with a caring task can also make space to rest.

However, reducing carer stress requires more than individual coping strategies. Reliable services, understanding employers, accessible information and meaningful involvement in care decisions all matter.

Please watch and share the video, and take a moment to ask an unpaid carer how they are coping. Listen to the answer, and consider what help you could offer.

The awareness week may be ending, but our responsibility to support unpaid carers continues.

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 – Take Action

Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 over in the UK runs from Monday 11 to Sunday 17 May, and the theme is Take Action. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to look after someone while managing your own wellbeing.

Mental Health Foundation is the main charity behind Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, but there are many other important organisations playing key roles in mental health support, advocacy, treatment and public awareness.

So for the week of this blog, it is a reminder that even small steps can make a big difference, whether it’s checking in on a friend, practicing self-care, or seeking support from local and national organisations.

As a reminder Carers often put themselves last, but protecting your own mental health is essential and taking action starts with acknowledging that you deserve support too.

During this Mental Health Awareness Week, there are many organisations and local NHS carer support services provide invaluable guidance, counselling, and resources for unpaid carers.

The theme is “Every action counts”. From reaching out to your community, to joining peer support groups, to simply taking a moment for yourself.

Watch my video above for practical tips, encouragement, and ways to take action for your mental health and the wellbeing of those you care for.

Let’s work together to make mental health a priority for everyone, today and every day.

Additional Resources for Carers and Mental Health Support

Carers Rights Day 2025 – “Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights”

By Matthew McKenzie – Volunteer of Carers 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.

Filming My Story as a Carer with Specsavers Carers Hub

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.

https://www.youtube.com/@SpecsaversCarersHub

Keep an eye out for the latest set of videos from Specsavers Carers hub

Holding Your NHS Mental Health Trust Accountable A Guide for Carers

Understanding the Role of Carers in Mental Health

As you might know, unpaid carers play a vital yet often overlooked role in supporting individuals with mental health needs. Their contributions provide essential support and advocacy, yet they frequently encounter significant challenges due to limited training, insufficient resources, and time constraints. This blog and video explores key strategies for holding mental health trusts accountable while empowering carers to influence and improve mental health services. The blog is aimed at carers who are involved at their local mental health NHS trust. This means that they help shape services.

The Importance of Holding Mental Health Trusts Accountable

Ensuring accountability within mental health trusts is crucial. Carers have the right to expect high-quality, effective care for their loved ones. By holding such NHS trusts to these standards, both patients and carers benefit. Accountability encompasses various aspects, including access to timely and appropriate care, the quality of treatment plans, and the consistency of care. Without these measures in place, there is a risk of declining service quality, ultimately affecting the well-being of both carers and patients. Holding Mental Health NHS trusts to account is never an easy thing, you will have to learn from carer peers and to be honest, all you have is your carer lived experience to feedback your view of services.

If you want to watch the in-depth video of this lecture, please see below.

The Role of Carers in Mental Health

Carers offer valuable insights into the needs of those they support. Their experiences are instrumental in shaping effective mental health services.

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