Tag Archives: carers resources

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.

Reflections on the West Sussex Community Brain Health & Carers Rights Day Event

By Matthew McKenzie – Carer & Carer Activist

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.

Continue reading →

Lewisham, Southwark & Lambeth carer forum update August 2025

The meeting facilitated by Matthew McKenzie began with introductions from participants and updates on various carer support initiatives, including forum mergers and NHS plan changes.

Local council strategies and initiatives were discussed across different boroughs, with particular focus on Lambeth and Southwark’s carer support plans and the development of a carer’s forum in Lewisham. The group explored challenges faced by carers, including access to primary care and the need for better coordination, while discussing recent conferences and upcoming events aimed at supporting and advocating for carers’ rights.

Lewisham Carers Strategy and Service Updates

Lewisham is currently refreshing its Carers Strategy to strengthen support for unpaid carers and improve access to local services. The focus is on ensuring carers are included in decision-making through co-production and collaboration with the council, health providers, and community organisations. A major priority is improving well-being services, providing better information, and ensuring carers know their rights under the Carers Leave Act.

As part of wider NHS reforms, Lewisham is moving towards a neighbourhood-based care model designed to bring services closer to local communities. While this aims to make access more seamless, carers raised concerns about inconsistent GP access, gaps in communication, and challenges navigating between boroughs when supporting loved ones. The forum highlighted the importance of better coordination between primary care, hospital discharge planning, and mental health services to ensure carers are recognised and supported.

Lambeth Carers Strategy Refresh

Lambeth is currently refreshing its Carers Strategy with the aim of improving services, increasing visibility, and ensuring carers have a stronger voice in decision-making. The updated strategy focuses on key priorities such as well-being, access to assessments, respite options, and workforce training for those supporting unpaid carers.

There was a particular focus on improving support for mental health carers in Lambeth. The Carers Hub Lambeth team continues to facilitate peer support groups and collaborates closely with the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to ensure carers are recognised as partners in care planning. Initiatives like Triangle of Care are gaining momentum, emphasising better communication between professionals and families while creating pathways for carers to get involved in shaping local mental health services.

Carers Hub Lambeth also celebrated the growing range of community-based activities available for carers and families in Lambeth. Over the summer, there have been several events designed to support young carers, including trips, tours, and group workshops aimed at helping them connect with others and access emotional support. These initiatives are part of Lambeth’s broader goal to make sure younger carers, who are often overlooked, receive the help they need both at home and within education.

One of the key upcoming events for Lambeth carers is the Lambeth Carers Strategy Event taking place on 25th September 2025 at 336 Brixton Road. The session will bring together carers, professionals, and decision-makers to review plans, share ideas, and set priorities for the future. Carers are strongly encouraged to attend to ensure their voices are heard and to take part in shaping the borough’s action plans moving forward.

Southwark Council Carers Support and Strategy Group

Matthew fed back on how Southwark Council continues to strengthen its approach to supporting unpaid carers, with a growing emphasis on improving access to information, assessments, and respite services.

The Unpaid Carers Strategy Refresh is a project running from August 2025 to April 2026, led by Southwark Council in collaboration with Adult Social Care, the NHS, local voluntary groups, and unpaid carers themselves. The plan focuses on improving support for carers by updating evidence on local needs, strengthening engagement with seldom-heard groups, and mapping gaps in current services.

Key priorities include better access to respite care, enhanced referral pathways, stronger partnerships with health services, and improved inclusion of young carers, carers with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ carers. The initial phase, from August to October, involves reviewing existing strategies, mapping current services, gathering insights through focus groups and surveys, and benchmarking against national policies and neighbouring boroughs.

The forum highlighted the importance of co-production, ensuring that carers are actively involved in shaping local strategies and service priorities.

Update on Key Themes from the final NHS England Carers Conference

Matthew highlighted that the 2025 NHS England carers conference placed a strong emphasis on recognising unpaid carers as essential partners in delivering effective healthcare. The NHS stressed its commitment to involving carers in shaping services and policies, ensuring their voices are reflected at every stage of decision-making. There was a clear acknowledgement that without unpaid carers, many health and social care systems would face significant pressure.

You can watch the conference below.

A major focus was on the NHS’s shift towards neighbourhood-based care models designed to bring services closer to communities. Matthew explained that this change aims to improve coordination between GPs, hospitals, and mental health services, but he also highlighted concerns raised about fragmented communication and the risk of carers being left out of local planning. Carers at the conference called for better access to information and more joined-up pathways across boroughs.

The conference also featured interactive workshops and discussion groups focused on co-production, digital innovations, and addressing inequalities among carers. Specific sessions explored improving support for young carers, carers from minority backgrounds, and those supporting loved ones with mental health needs. The event closed with a call to action for stronger collaboration between carers, NHS teams, local authorities, and community organisations. Attendees were encouraged to get involved in upcoming forums and engagement opportunities to help shape future services and ensure carers’ voices are at the heart of decision-making.

Matthew shared updates on national policy developments discussed at the conference, including the Carers Leave Act and commitments to expanding access to respite, assessments, and flexible working rights. There was also a discussion about new digital tools and support platforms designed to make it easier for carers to connect with professionals and access resources. However, many attendees expressed concerns that these initiatives need proper funding and training to work effectively in practice.