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South London Mental Health Carers Forum Update – July 2026

By Matthew McKenzie – Chair of the South London MH carers forum

Another month has passed, and I would like to thank everyone who joined our South London Mental Health Carers Forum. It was fantastic to welcome carers, NHS professionals, voluntary sector organisations and local authority representatives from across South London to discuss issues affecting unpaid mental health carers.

As always, the forum provides a safe place where carers can raise concerns directly with decision makers, hear about new developments, share experiences and help shape improvements across mental health services.

For those who were unable to attend, here is a detailed summary of the meeting.

Welcome and introductions

We welcomed carers from across Lewisham, Lambeth, Southwark, Croydon, Richmond and surrounding boroughs, alongside representatives from:

Lewisham GP Mental Health Transformation
Carers First Croydon
Carers Hub Lambeth
POWHER (NHS complaints advocacy)
Southwark Council
Carers with lived experience
Voluntary sector organisations

The strength of the forum continues to be its mix of lived experience alongside professionals willing to listen directly to carers.

One particularly encouraging update at the beginning of the meeting was confirmation that South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) is reviewing its Triangle of Care work and wishes to involve carers more closely in that process.

This is extremely important because Triangle of Care is one of the main national frameworks that helps mental health services work better with families and unpaid carers.

Lewisham Mental Health Transformation Update

Our first guest speaker was Dr Anna Robinson, GP Clinical Lead for Mental Health Transformation in Lewisham.

Dr Robinson explained that one of her main priorities is improving communication between GP practices and specialist mental health services. She recognised that many of the difficulties experienced by carers occur during transitions, particularly when someone moves between primary care and secondary mental health services. To help address this, she has already begun bringing together GP leaders and mental health professionals, creating opportunities for closer collaboration and establishing direct communication channels, including a new WhatsApp group linking GPs with mental health clinicians so concerns can be discussed more rapidly. She hopes these improvements will lead to better referral pathways, clearer discharge arrangements and more consistent communication between services.

Improving communication between GPs and mental health services

One of the biggest priorities is improving communication between GP practices and specialist mental health services.

Many carers know only too well how stressful it can be when someone is discharged from secondary mental health care back to their GP.

Communication delays often create uncertainty about:

medication
follow-up care
relapse planning
physical health monitoring
who is actually responsible for ongoing care

To improve this, Lewisham has already begun bringing together GPs and mental health clinicians, including establishing direct communication channels so problems can be discussed much more quickly.

This was welcomed by carers, although many explained there remains considerable work to do.

Carers’ biggest concern: discharge back to GPs

This became the largest discussion of the afternoon.

Many carers expressed anxiety about people with severe mental illness being discharged from community mental health teams back to primary care.

Some of the concerns raised included:

GPs may not know the patient as well as specialist teams.
Carers worry relapses may not be identified quickly enough.
Missed appointments are sometimes an early warning sign rather than a sign that someone is well.
Some medications require specialist monitoring.
Communication between services is still inconsistent.

One carer explained that if someone experiencing psychosis fails to attend appointments, it should trigger concern rather than assumptions that everything is fine.

Another highlighted that patients can sometimes cancel appointments themselves, meaning clinicians may never realise there is actually a developing crisis.

Dr Robinson acknowledged these concerns and confirmed they are exactly the type of issues she wishes to improve through stronger collaboration between GP practices and specialist services.

Early identification of mental illness in schools

Another important discussion focused on children and young people.

One parent shared how concerns about their child’s mental health had been dismissed at school months before a serious psychotic episode eventually occurred.

This led to discussion about whether all school staff should receive training to recognise early signs of serious mental illness as part of safeguarding training.

Dr Robinson explained that Lewisham is expanding mental health support teams in schools and is also developing alternative services for young people because traditional CAMHS services remain under enormous pressure.

The discussion highlighted how earlier recognition may prevent future crises for some young people.

Universal Care Plans and identifying carers

During the discussion I raised the growing use of the Universal Care Plan (UCP) across London.

One area we discussed was whether GP surgeries are identifying unpaid carers more effectively.

Many carers are still not recorded as carers within GP systems, meaning they may miss out on:

health checks
vaccinations
support services
referrals
carers’ information

Dr Robinson confirmed GP systems can record carers through coding, but acknowledged this often depends upon carers identifying themselves.

This remains an important challenge because many people caring for relatives still do not think of themselves as “carers.”

Better identification continues to be essential if carers are to receive the support they deserve.

The discussion also broadened into medication safety, the role of GPs in supporting people with long-term mental health conditions and the identification of unpaid carers within GP practices. A carer shared her own lived experience of being misdiagnosed and suffering severe adverse reactions to medication before eventually receiving the correct diagnosis and treatment. Dr Robinson acknowledged that medication can sometimes initially worsen symptoms and stressed the importance of clinicians discussing potential side effects openly with patients.

As I raised questions about the rollout of Universal Care Plans and whether GP surgeries are preparing to identify carers more effectively through SNOMED coding and improved care planning. Dr Robinson explained that GP systems can record carers, although this often depends upon carers identifying themselves, and recognised that many people providing substantial care still do not see themselves as carers. The discussion reinforced the importance of improving carer identification, strengthening communication between services and ensuring carers are recognised as genuine partners in care rather than remaining invisible within the healthcare system

Carers First Croydon

Our second presentation came from Carers First, the organisation delivering carers’ services across Croydon.

Jessica and Toby introduced their service and explained how they are developing support specifically for unpaid carers, including those caring for someone with mental illness.

Although their service supports all carers, they recognised that mental health carers often experience unique challenges.

These include:

confidentiality barriers
crisis situations
unpredictable relapses
emotional exhaustion
isolation
uncertainty around care planning

Their presentation showed a genuine understanding of the pressures faced by mental health carers.

I agree. For a blog, that section reads more like meeting notes than an article. Here’s a much smoother narrative version that still captures the main points without relying on long bullet lists.

Carers First Croydon: Supporting Carers Before Crisis

The organisation commissioned by Croydon Council to provide support for unpaid carers across the borough. Jessica and Toby introduced the service and explained how they are working to ensure carers receive support much earlier in their caring journey, rather than only when they reach crisis point. Although the organisation supports carers of all ages and caring situations, they recognised that those caring for someone with mental ill health often face unique challenges, including emotional exhaustion, confidentiality issues, unpredictable relapses and the constant uncertainty that can accompany serious mental illness.

A key message throughout the presentation was that support for carers needs to be holistic. Carers First offers statutory carers assessments, practical advice, emotional support, peer support and wellbeing activities, but these conversations extend far beyond simply discussing the caring role. Staff work with carers to understand the wider impact that caring has on everyday life, including issues such as employment, finances, poor sleep, housing difficulties, physical health and emotional wellbeing. The aim is to identify the pressures that make caring more difficult and then work alongside carers to find practical solutions, whether through grants, referrals to other organisations, respite opportunities or local wellbeing services.

The presenters emphasised that many carers wait too long before asking for help, often believing they should simply cope on their own. By the time support is requested, carers may already be physically and emotionally exhausted. Carers First hopes to change this by encouraging earlier referrals from GPs, mental health services and carers themselves, allowing support to be put in place before problems become overwhelming. The earlier carers receive advice and practical assistance, the more likely they are to maintain both their own wellbeing and their ability to continue caring.

There was also a strong focus on carers’ own health and wellbeing. The presenters spoke about activities such as carers cafés, Qigong sessions, volunteering opportunities and wellbeing programmes, not simply as recreational activities, but as an essential part of sustaining carers over the long term. One particularly powerful message from the presentation was that self-care should never be viewed as a luxury or something to feel guilty about. Instead, looking after carers is fundamental to maintaining safe, sustainable caring relationships. By supporting carers emotionally, socially and practically, organisations like Carers First help ensure that carers themselves remain healthy enough to continue supporting the people who rely upon them.

Southwark Council Engagement: Safeguarding Review

Later in the meeting we welcomed representatives from Southwark Council, who attended to discuss the council’s current review of safeguarding arrangements and, importantly, to hear directly from carers about their experiences. The discussion recognised that safeguarding is not simply about responding to abuse or neglect, but about ensuring that people with mental health needs receive safe, person-centred care while families and carers are appropriately involved throughout the process.

The review aims to strengthen safeguarding by making it:

More consistent across services.
More proportionate to individual circumstances.
More person-centred and focused on outcomes.
Better at involving families and carers where appropriate.
More responsive to concerns raised by people with lived experience.

Council representatives emphasised that this was not simply a consultation exercise but an opportunity for carers to genuinely influence how safeguarding develops in Southwark. Those attending the forum were encouraged to continue sharing their experiences so that future improvements are informed by the realities of supporting someone with mental illness.

Questions and discussion

The discussion that followed highlighted a number of recurring themes experienced by carers across South London.

Several carers explained that they often recognise subtle changes in a person’s behaviour weeks before professionals become aware that something is wrong. As the people who know their relative best, carers felt that their observations should be taken more seriously when concerns are first raised, particularly where there is evidence of deteriorating mental health or increasing risks.

Questions were also raised around how safeguarding concerns are assessed and whether professionals always communicate effectively with families once a concern has been reported. Some carers described occasions where they were uncertain about what action had been taken, what the next steps were, or whether their concerns had been fully understood.

There was also discussion about balancing confidentiality with safeguarding responsibilities. Whilst recognising the importance of protecting an individual’s rights, carers emphasised that excluding families from conversations can sometimes mean valuable information about risks, changes in behaviour or previous crises is overlooked. Many felt that better communication with carers could strengthen safeguarding rather than compromise it.

Another important point raised was that safeguarding should not only focus on responding after a crisis has occurred. Instead, carers felt services should recognise early warning signs, intervene sooner where possible and view carers as partners in identifying emerging risks before situations escalate.

The representatives welcomed these reflections and acknowledged the value of hearing directly from lived experience. They encouraged carers to continue engaging with the review process so that future safeguarding arrangements better reflect the realities faced by families supporting someone with serious mental illness.

Lambeth Update

We were also pleased to receive an update from Karen Ibrahim, Mental Health Carers Coordinator at Carers Hub Lambeth, who shared a number of developments taking place across the borough to improve support for unpaid carers.

Karen explained that Carers Hub continues to expand its offer to carers, with several new initiatives now available. One of the most significant developments is the introduction of the Lambeth Carers Card, which is intended to help carers identify themselves more easily when accessing services and encourage wider recognition of the vital role unpaid carers play. Alongside this, Carers Hub has strengthened its welfare benefits support, enabling carers to access specialist advice on benefits, financial entitlements and income maximisation, an increasingly important service given the financial pressures many carers continue to face.

Another important area of work has been raising awareness of carers throughout local services. Karen described the continued delivery of carers awareness training for professionals, helping frontline staff better understand carers’ rights, the challenges families experience and why carers should be recognised as partners in care rather than simply relatives accompanying patients. She also highlighted the ongoing development of the Lambeth Mental Health Carers Group, which continues to provide carers with opportunities to share experiences, influence local services and receive peer support from others who understand the realities of caring for someone living with mental illness.

Questions and discussion

The discussion then moved towards some of the more difficult experiences carers continue to face within inpatient mental health services.

One issue raised was the safety of inpatient wards, with concerns expressed about incidents involving patient-on-patient violence and the emotional impact these situations can have on both patients and their families. Carers discussed the importance of ensuring that safety concerns are taken seriously and that families are kept appropriately informed when incidents occur.

Questions were also asked about how carers’ concerns are escalated when they believe someone is at risk or when communication between staff and families begins to break down. Karen acknowledged that these situations can be extremely distressing for carers and stressed the importance of maintaining open communication between inpatient teams, community services and families wherever possible.

The discussion also reinforced the wider importance of involving carers throughout a person’s mental health journey, rather than only contacting families during periods of crisis. Participants agreed that carers often hold valuable knowledge about changes in behaviour, early warning signs and previous experiences of relapse, and that this lived experience should be recognised as an important contribution to safe and effective care.

Karen thanked carers for continuing to share their experiences and encouraged everyone to remain engaged with Carers Hub Lambeth, emphasising that feedback from carers plays a vital role in helping improve local mental health services and ensuring carers’ voices continue to influence future developments.

Looking ahead

Our forum will continue bringing together carers, NHS services, local authorities and voluntary organisations to improve mental health support across South London.

If you are an unpaid mental health carer living in South London, you are always welcome to join us.

Together we can continue raising carers’ voices, influencing services and helping ensure that carers are recognised not simply as visitors to mental health services, but as valued partners in care.

Behind Closed Doors: Facing Community Stigma as an Unpaid Mental Health Carer

By Matthew McKenzie – Ethnic Mental Health Carer and Poet

invisible challenge for ethnic minority mental health carers. “Poem 15: The friends I have lost,” a powerful spoken-word piece from Matthew McKenzie’s poetry book that is in development Unpaid, Unseen and Yet Unbroken, sheds a crucial light on this hidden struggle.

It captures the profound loneliness of an unpaid carer who watches friendships fade away as community members close their ears and elders demand privacy over open support. By highlighting the intersection of familial duty, mental illness, and societal rejection, this moving presentation exposes the heavy emotional toll born by those who care for loved ones behind closed doors.

This poem serves as a stark reminder of why initiatives like the Patient Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) are so urgently needed in healthcare and community support networks today.

Watch the full poetry video to immerse yourself in this essential conversation, and help us raise awareness for the vital support and recognition that ethnic minority mental health carers truly deserve.

By dismantling the barriers of stigma and addressing the specific inequalities faced by ethnic minority families, PCREF aims to ensure that no carer is left to navigate this challenging journey in absolute isolation.

East Sussex Carers Voices – Celebrating Carers Week 2026

East Dean Village Hall – 11 June 2026

Written by Matthew McKenzie, Speaker, Carer, Campaigner and Poet

As part of Carers Week 2026, I had the privilege of travelling to East Dean in East Sussex to speak at the East Sussex Carers Voices – Celebrating Carers Week Event, organised by Care for the Carers. The event brought together unpaid carers, carers’ organisations, NHS representatives, local authority leaders, health professionals, community groups and carers from across East Sussex to discuss the realities of caring and identify ways to improve support for unpaid carers.

The event was hosted by Dr Neil Churchill, Chair of Care for the Carers, who guided the day’s discussions and emphasised the vital role carers play in society. Throughout the day, carers shared their personal stories, experiences and recommendations directly with decision-makers and service providers.

This blog post provides an overview of the key themes, speakers and discussions for those who were unable to attend.

Opening Remarks – Dr Neil Churchill

Dr Neil Churchill opened the event by welcoming attendees and recognising the significant contribution unpaid carers make to families, communities and public services.

He highlighted several key challenges currently facing carers:

• Rising financial pressures and cost-of-living concerns.
• The growing number of carers leaving employment due to caring responsibilities.
• Increased risks of poor physical and mental health among carers.
• Social isolation and loneliness experienced by many carers.
• Growing concerns around carer burnout.

Dr Churchill stressed that the country depends heavily on unpaid carers and that health and social care systems would struggle to function without them. He also spoke about the importance of moving towards a model where carers are treated as equal partners in care rather than simply being expected to cope alone.

A key message from his introduction was that carers should not be left to navigate fragmented services by themselves. Instead, health, social care and voluntary sector organisations must work together more effectively to recognise, support and value carers.

Carer Stories and Lived Experience

One of the most powerful aspects of the event was hearing directly from carers themselves.

Miles Bing – Caring Through Dementia

The first speaker was Miles Bing, author of “Deadheaded: An Alzheimer’s Memoir by Mother and Son”.

Miles shared his family’s experience of supporting both of his parents through Alzheimer’s disease. His presentation explored the emotional impact of caring at a distance, the guilt often experienced by family members who live far away, and the difficulties of coordinating support across multiple services.

He spoke about:

• The long-term impact of dementia on families.
• The challenges of accessing services in rural areas.
• The lack of coordination between health and social care systems.
• The practical and emotional burden placed on carers.

Many attendees identified strongly with his comments regarding the need for carers to act as coordinators between multiple organisations that often fail to communicate effectively with one another.

Young Carers – Julia and Elsie

The audience then heard from young carers Julia and Elsie, whose presentations left a lasting impression on everyone in the room.

Both spoke honestly about growing up while caring for family members with complex needs. They described responsibilities that included supporting parents during health crises, helping siblings with disabilities and managing situations involving emergency services.

Their stories demonstrated:

• The hidden nature of young caring responsibilities.
• The emotional impact caring can have on children and young people.
• The importance of early intervention and support.
• The value of dedicated young carers services.

Perhaps most importantly, they highlighted that while caring can build resilience, no child should have to face these responsibilities without support.

The standing ovation they received reflected the courage and honesty with which they shared their experiences.

Round Table Discussions

Following the morning speakers, attendees participated in facilitated round table discussions.

These conversations focused on:

• The biggest issues facing carers over the next six months.
• Practical actions that could help carers in their caring role.
• Barriers to accessing support.
• Positive examples of support that should be expanded.

Several common themes emerged from these discussions:

Earlier Identification

Many carers reported not being recognised as carers until they had reached crisis point. Participants called for earlier identification within GP surgeries, hospitals and community services.

Access to Information

Attendees highlighted how difficult it can be to find accurate and timely information about available support.

Financial Pressures

Many carers discussed the financial impact of caring, including reduced employment opportunities and increasing household costs.

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Carers spoke about the emotional strain of caring and the importance of counselling, respite and peer support services.

Speaker sessions resumes

Diverse Communities and Caring

A particularly thought-provoking presentation was delivered by Manal Ahmed, who supports carers from ethnically diverse and refugee communities.

She discussed additional challenges experienced by carers from minority communities, including:

• Language barriers.
• Cultural differences.
• Social isolation.
• Displacement trauma.
• Immigration-related issues.
• Financial and emotional dependency.

Manal explained that many carers experience multiple layers of disadvantage and that support services must be culturally aware and accessible to everyone.

She also highlighted positive examples of community-building activities that help carers connect with one another and reduce isolation.

Her presentation reinforced the importance of ensuring that no carer is excluded from support because of their background, language or circumstances.

My Presentation – A Carer’s Journey

I was invited to speak about my own experiences as a young carer and later as an adult carer supporting family members with autism and serious mental illness.

One of the key messages I shared was that many carers do not initially recognise themselves as carers. Like many people, I simply viewed what I was doing as helping my family.

However, over time I found myself:

• Coordinating care.
• Supporting hospital admissions and discharges.
• Managing appointments.
• Advocating with professionals.
• Navigating complex systems.
• Supporting multiple family members simultaneously.

I spoke about how difficult it can be when carers are not listened to or involved in important decisions.

I also highlighted the importance of recognising carers as equal partners in care and ensuring that professionals understand the expertise carers develop through lived experience.

One of the central themes of my presentation was carers’ rights.

I encouraged carers to:

• Identify themselves as carers.
• Seek support from local carers organisations.
• Request carers assessments.
• Learn about their rights.
• Participate in co-production and service improvement.
• Share their experiences to help reduce stigma.

To conclude, I performed my poem “It’s My Right”, which focuses on the rights every carer should expect to receive, including recognition, respect, involvement, information and support.

Afternoon Reflections and Future Priorities

The afternoon session included reflections from senior leaders from Care for the Carers, East Sussex County Council and NHS Sussex.

Discussions focused on:

• Improving identification of carers.
• Supporting carers before crises occur.
• Encouraging carers to access support services.
• Learning from positive experiences of care.
• Strengthening partnerships between carers and professionals.

Representatives acknowledged the crucial role carers play and listened to feedback gathered throughout the day.

Many carers expressed concerns about navigating systems that can often feel complicated and difficult to access. There was broad agreement that services should be simpler, more joined-up and more responsive to carers’ needs.

Key Messages from the Day

Several important messages emerged consistently throughout the event:

Carers Need Recognition

Many carers remain hidden and unidentified. Earlier recognition can lead to earlier support.

Carers Need Practical Support

Information, respite, emotional support and financial advice remain essential.

Carers Must Be Involved

Carers are experts in the lives of the people they support and should be treated as partners in care.

Young Carers Need Protection

Children and young people with caring responsibilities require dedicated support and opportunities to thrive.

Communities Matter

Strong local networks can help reduce isolation and improve wellbeing.

Prevention Is Better Than Crisis Management

Supporting carers early can prevent breakdowns in caring arrangements and reduce pressure on services.

Conclusion

The East Sussex Carers Voices Event was an excellent example of what can happen when carers, professionals and decision-makers come together to listen, learn and work collaboratively.

Throughout the day, carers shared powerful stories of resilience, commitment and compassion. They also spoke honestly about the challenges they face and the changes they want to see. I also recognised Agi who does lots of work raising carer awareness in Sussex, she recently spoke at my national ethnic mental health carers forum. So it was great to see her there.

Dr Neil Churchill’s leadership as host helped create an environment where carers felt able to speak openly and where decision-makers could hear directly from those with lived experience.

As Carers Week 2026 comes to a close, the challenge now is to turn these conversations into meaningful action. Carers should not have to struggle to be recognised, supported or heard.

The event demonstrated that when carers’ voices are placed at the centre of discussions, better solutions can emerge for everyone.

Thank you to Care for the Carers, all speakers, volunteers, professionals and carers who contributed to such a valuable and inspiring day.

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:

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

Carers Week 2026: Building Carer Friendly Communities and Supporting Unpaid Carers Across the UK

By Matthew McKenzie – Carer Ambassador

For Carers Week 2026, it takes place from 8–14 June and shines a spotlight on the millions of unpaid carers who provide essential care and support to family members, friends and loved ones throughout the UK.

This year’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, highlights the need for workplaces, healthcare services, schools, local authorities and communities to better recognise and support unpaid carers.

Despite contributing billions of pounds worth of care each year, many unpaid carers continue to face challenges including financial hardship, social isolation, poor mental health and difficulties accessing support. So Carers Week aims to raise awareness of these issues while encouraging practical action to create a society where carers are valued, respected and included.

As a carer activist and founder of my site A Caring Mind, I am sure that creating carer-friendly communities starts with understanding the realities of caring. Whether you are caring for an ageing parent, a disabled child, a partner with a long-term condition or someone experiencing mental ill health, carers play a vital role in keeping families and communities together.

However, there are still many people do not identify themselves as carers and therefore miss out on important support, benefits and services. Carers Week 2026 provides an opportunity for individuals, organisations and policymakers to listen to carers’ experiences, champion carers’ rights and improve access to support for unpaid carers across the UK.

Watch my Carers Week 2026 video below to learn more about the campaign, this year’s theme and how you can get involved in supporting unpaid carers. Please share the video to help raise awareness and encourage more people to recognise the invaluable contribution that carers make every single day.

Together, we can build stronger, more inclusive and more carer-friendly communities

Volunteers’ Week 2026 UK – The Power of Volunteering and Caring

By Matthew McKenzie – Carer UK ambassador and volunteer

As proud volunteer with Carers UK and Carers Trust, and alongside healthcare teams in hospitals supporting unpaid carers and families. I want to take a moment to recognise the incredible contribution volunteers make every single day.

As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2026, across our communities, volunteers give their time, skills, compassion, and energy to help others, often without seeking recognition. Their impact is immeasurable.

For me, volunteering is about making a difference, no matter how small. Sometimes it is providing information and advice to a carer who feels overwhelmed. Sometimes it is speaking up for those whose voices are not being heard. Sometimes it is simply listening. These acts of kindness can change lives.

As carers, many of us already give so much of ourselves to support loved ones. Yet volunteering can also be a powerful way to create change, build connections, and strengthen our communities. It reminds us that we are not alone and that together we can make a positive impact.

Making Time for Black Mental Health Event – 4th Year Spring Anniversary

I recently attended the “Making Time for Black Mental Health” event hosted by Bella from Think Tenacity Academy CIC at Cottons Caribbean Restaurant in Vauxhall. The event took place on friday 22nd of May 2026

it was a reminder of the importance of safe community spaces that centre Black wellbeing. The event brought together over 100 attendees, including families, carers, advocates, therapists, Plus Healthwatch Southwark, Healthwatch Lambeth, CNWL Talking Therapies Service Westminster, Carers UK, alongside other community organisations supporting mental health awareness and wellbeing.

We were all united around conversations on mental health, lived experience, and reducing stigma within the Black community.

The event was officially opened by Folake Segun, CEO of Healthwatch Lambeth which led on to meaningful conversations, which I have created a video to show highlights of the event.

As a carer advocate, I found the event especially valuable because it highlighted how community-led support can create genuine impact.

The evening included a Q&A session with Black therapists and speakers who openly discussed mental health challenges, cultural understanding, and the importance of representation in support services.

There were also wellness stalls, books, information tables, and opportunities for local organisations to connect directly with the community. Seeing families, children, and professionals all engaging together showed how mental health conversations can become more accessible and less stigmatised when events are designed with inclusion at the centre.

What stood out most to me was the sense of togetherness and intentional care throughout the event. Think Tenacity’s mission to tackle health inequalities and create spaces where Black people feel seen, heard, and supported was evident in every part of the evening. Hosting the event at a vibrant riverside venue with free entry, wellbeing activities, and opportunities to socialise created an environment where people could relax while also engaging in serious and necessary discussions around mental health.

Events like this are essential because they remind us that advocacy, wellbeing, and community support all go hand in hand.

Find out more about Think Tenacity Academy CIC:
Contact: SerenaEventManager@thinktenacity.com

Next event date: 23rd September 2026
https://ThinkTenacity.eventbrite.com

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https://www.tiktok.com/@thinktenacity
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Our Stories Matter – Poem by Matthew McKenzie #PCREF

Stories are powerful. They carry memory, experience, and truth in ways that forms and systems often cannot. For unpaid minority carers, our stories are not just reflections, they are essential to understanding the full picture of care.

I’ve recently shared a poem, “Our Stories Matter,” from my upcoming poetry book. It explores the importance of lived experience, intergenerational memory, and the voices that are too often overlooked within health and social care systems.

While assessments, care plans, and clinical notes tell part of the story, they rarely capture the depth of what families and carers experience every day. Our stories provide context. They bring meaning and complete the picture.

This is especially important within the context of PCREF, where recognising lived experience and cultural understanding is key to improving care and addressing inequalities. When carers’ voices are not heard, something vital is missing.

This poem is a reminder that our stories are central.

🎥 Watch “Our Stories Matter” here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sVie4YSdbc

We Look After Each Other: A Poem of Care, Community, and Lived Experience

I’m proud to share “We Look After Each Other”.

The poem is a spoken word piece from my upcoming poetry collection Unpaid, Unseen and Yet Unbroken (launching 2026).

This poem centres the lived experiences of ethnic and minority mental health carers, where they continue to show up, often without recognition, navigating systems that can feel complex and unresponsive.

The poem focuses on the quiet strength, shared knowledge, and collective care that exist within our communities.

In the spirit of PCREF, this work highlights the importance of listening to lived experience, valuing cultural understanding, and recognising community as a source of resilience and healing

March 21 Still Matters: Standing Against Racial Discrimination

March 21 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which is a day recognised across the world to remember, reflect, and take action.

This day was established following the tragic events of the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa in 1960, where peaceful protestors lost their lives while standing against injustice. It is a reminder of how far we have come, but also how far we still need to go.

Racism is not just something we read about in history. It continues to exist in our societies, often in ways that are subtle, systemic, and deeply embedded. It can affect people’s opportunities, their confidence, and their sense of belonging.

As a carer activist, I see the impact of this in mental health and support systems. When people feel unheard, misunderstood, or treated unfairly, it can have lasting effects on their wellbeing. Care should be equal, compassionate, and inclusive for everyone.

This day is not only about raising awareness, but about encouraging action. Each of us has a role to play in challenging discrimination and promoting understanding.

That might mean listening more carefully to others’ experiences, educating ourselves, speaking up when something isn’t right, or simply showing empathy in our everyday interactions.

Change doesn’t always come from big gestures. It often starts with small, consistent actions.

March 21 is a reminder, but I think the responsibility is ongoing.

The question is: what will you do to stand against racism?