Tag Archives: mental health support uk

Why Black Carers Struggle to Access Mental Health Support

By Matthew McKenzie

Black unpaid carers can face significant barriers when trying to access mental health support for themselves or the person they care for.

These difficulties may include long waiting times, financial pressure, cultural stigma, fear of statutory services and a shortage of professionals who understand the effects of racism, racial trauma and culturally specific caring experiences.

In my new video, I examine how misdiagnosis, over-policing and expectations that Black families should simply remain “strong” can create mistrust and discourage carers from asking for help.

Drawing on my perspective as a Black lived-experience carer, I also consider what mental health services can do differently. Genuine improvement requires culturally responsive support, greater representation, safe spaces for carers, accessible community-led services and meaningful partnership with Black carers and families.

PCREF provides an important opportunity to challenge racial inequalities, but its success will depend on whether services listen to lived experience and turn commitments into visible action.

National Grief Awareness Week 2025: Growing With Grief

By Matthew McKenzie, A Caring Mind

This week, we come together to recognise something deeply human, yet often hidden: grief and the people who carry it long after the world has moved on.

I’ve created a short video exploring the emotional reality of bereavement, with a special focus on unpaid carers. These are the people who quietly give their time, energy, and love to support someone through illness… and who are often left to grieve in silence when that journey ends.

My hope is that this helps spark conversations, reduce stigma, and remind anyone grieving that you are not alone.

If you or someone you know needs support, these organisations can help:

🔗 The Good Grief Trust – https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org
🔗 AtaLoss – https://www.ataloss.org
🔗 Muslim Bereavement Support Service – https://www.mbss.org.uk
🔗 Jewish Bereavement Counselling Service – https://jbcs.org.uk
🔗 The Ubele Initiative (African & Caribbean communities) – https://www.ubele.org
🔗 Cruse Bereavement Support – South Asian Support (via specially trained volunteers) – https://www.cruse.org.uk
🔗 Switchboard LGBT+ Bereavement Support – https://switchboard.lgbt

Let’s work together to make sure every bereaved person, especially unpaid carers so they is heard, supported, and understood.
#GrowingWithGrief | #GriefSupport | #UnpaidCarers | #Wellbeing