By Matthew McKenzie – Carers UK volunteer & Ambassador

As a poet and carer of lived experienced, I always try and listen to other poets when I get the chance.

So on Tuesday 19 August 2025, I had the pleasure of attending the Carers UK Poetry Competition 2025 Celebration at the National Poetry Library, located on Level 5 of the Royal Festival Hall at London’s Southbank Centre.

Carers UK staff were welcoming guests, carers and poets who contributed to the Carers UK Poetry anthology to the event.

The event, hosted by Carers UK and led by Michael Shann, Head of Carer Support, which marked a very special milestone: the organisation’s 60th anniversary. It was an evening of reflection, creativity, and celebration, bringing together carers, poets, supporters, and friends to honour the voices of those who care for others.

For the year 2025, the poetry competition was themed “Caring, Family and Community”, with more than 270 entries submitted from across the country. The anthology launched on the night, Caring, Family and Community, where beautiful collection of poems capturing the emotions, challenges, and deep humanity at the heart of caring.

The programme included readings of winning, highly commended, and shortlisted poems. The anthology also features a preface by Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, and a foreword by Cheryl Moskowitz, Lead Competition Judge 2025.

The atmosphere at the National Poetry Library was warm and I was welcomed by many of the Carers UK team including Carers Scotland. Guests and poets enjoyed celebratory drinks and canapés while engaging in conversations about poetry, caring, and the power of creative expression.

The poetry book itself is thoughtfully arranged, beginning with featured poems before moving on to the winning, highly commended, and shortlisted entries, and ending with notes on the contributors. The poets performed their poems, each highlighting a different perspective on caring, family, and community, weaving together diverse voices into a powerful collective story.

One poem that particularly stood out to me was “Heart & Soul” by Alison Hull.

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Heart and Soul
by Alison Hull

Even though it’s new to me,
I’m going to write a poem.
I don’t know what to write,
Or where it’s even going.
But what I’m very clear of,
Is you’ve taught me like no other.
You make me very proud,
To be your carer and your mother.
We laugh at times and cry so much,
And we’ve learnt a thing or two.
I’ve met your needs, calmed your fears,
Taken care of you.
Little by little we get things done,
Although it isn’t always easy.
We take small steps, sometimes none,
Resting up,
If needs be.
Your bravery inspires me,
Your love for animals too.
I try to understand,
how life really is for you.
The caring role’s a huge one,
It can be isolating too.
It helps to connect with others,
Who know what we’re going through.
So this is the end of my poem,
But not of my caring role.
That journey will continue,
With all of my heart and soul.

When Alison recited it that evening, I felt it was clear that she spoke from the heart. Her words captured the tenderness and strength of caring. I felt the poem was well crafted.

For me personally, as a Carers UK volunteer and poet, it was inspiring to see how words can bring people together and shine a light on the experiences of carers.

Being able to attend, listen, and celebrate alongside others who share a passion for both caring and poetry was a privilege, so I was very thankful to be invited.

The Southbank Centre, with its iconic Royal Festival Hall, provided the perfect backdrop a cultural hub alive with creativity and community spirit.

Events like this remind us not only of the importance of caring, but also of the importance of telling our stories. Poetry gives voice to what can sometimes be invisible, and Carers UK continues to ensure those voices are heard.

I’d like to thank Michael Shann and the Carers UK team for organising such a meaningful evening, and for their ongoing commitment to supporting carers across the UK.

If any carers would like a copy of the anthology, they can email membership@carersuk.org

Here’s the updated section with the official website link included:

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Becoming a Member of Carers UK

If you are a carer yourself, one of the most valuable steps you can take is to become a member of Carers UK. Membership is free and open to anyone caring for a family member, friend, or neighbour. By joining, you’ll gain access to:

• A supportive community of carers who truly understand what you’re going through.
• Regular updates, newsletters, and information on carers’ rights and support.
• Invitations to events, workshops, and opportunities to share your story.
• Resources and guidance to help you manage the challenges of caring.

Carers UK is not just an organisation as it’s a lifeline for many. By becoming a member, you can feel more connected, supported, and empowered in your caring role.

You can sign up easily via the Carers UK website: www.carersuk.org