By Matthew McKenzie BEM FRSA, member of SUITE

On Monday 5 October 2026 at the ORTUS, I shared my carer story at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust’s staff induction. I attended as a carer member of SUITE — Service User and Carer Involvement in Training and Education, managed by Angela Mitchell. The presentation was warmly received, and I was particularly pleased that my poetry video connected with staff.

I spoke about caring for my mother, who lived with schizophrenia, and my continuing role supporting my brothers. I reflected on the uncertainty of becoming a carer, the responsibilities that followed, and the difference it made when someone listened, explained things and recognised my own support needs. My message to staff was simple: carers bring knowledge, relationships and experience that deserve to be heard.

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