By Matthew McKenzie – Chair, National Ethnic Mental Health Carers Forum
The August meeting of the National Ethnic Mental Health Carer Forum brought together unpaid carers, NHS leaders, healthcare professionals, academic researchers, and voluntary sector advocates from across the country. The session provided a vital space to address race equity, systemic racism, lived experience, and ongoing research into minoritised caring experiences.
Matthew McKenzie opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and reinforcing the core purpose of the national forum. He reflected on how the platform has grown into a crucial space where family carers can directly challenge health structures, influence decision-makers, and learn about national policy developments such as the Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF). Matthew acknowledged that while discussions around institutional racism and health inequalities can be heavy and emotional, the forum remains a safe, respectful, and healing space dedicated to driving real, actionable change across the NHS.
By Matthew McKenzie – Carer & Chair of the National Ethnic MH carer Forum
The June 2026 National Ethnic Mental Health Carer Forum brought together carers, NHS Trusts, researchers, voluntary organisations and mental health professionals from across England to discuss one shared ambition improving mental health services through genuine co-production with ethnic minority carers.
Matthew reminded delegates that carers develop expertise through lived experience. Supporting a family member with severe mental illness means navigating NHS services, social care, benefits systems and advocacy. These experiences provide knowledge that cannot be learned through textbooks alone.
Opening Presentation
Matthew McKenzie
The Importance of Co-production
Forum Chair Matthew McKenzie opened the meeting by welcoming carers and professionals from across England and reflecting on more than a decade of leading the National Ethnic Mental Health Carer Forum.
By Matthew McKenzie – Facilitator of national ethnic carer forum
Black History Month 2025 is not far behind, this blog celebrates the spirit of “Standing Firm in Power and Pride.” The video. hosted by Matthew McKenzie, founder of the National Ethnic Mental Health Carer Forum invites viewers on a reflective and inspiring journey through history, identity, and purpose.
Unpacking the Theme: Power and Pride
“Power” in Black History Month isn’t about titles, it’s about leadership that uplifts communities, resistance that shapes policy, and vision that transcends obstacles. From political trailblazers to artists and educators, Black leaders have transformed the narrative of equity.
“Pride” stands for cultural identity, heritage, and the vibrant legacy of Black excellence across generations. It pulses through art, storytelling, music, and traditions that echo forward. This month invites us to embrace that heritage without reservation or apology.
Call to Action: Watch, Reflect, and Share
We invite you to watch the video, reflect on its message, and share it widely. Encourage your community. friends, family, colleagues to stand firm in their own power and pride. Let’s amplify these voices and build bridges toward an inclusive future.
Commemorating Groundbreaking Milestones
This year holds special significance:
The 60th Anniversary of the Race Relations Act — a pivotal moment in Britain’s legislative effort to combat racial inequality.
Remembering Malcolm X — whose courage and conviction continue to inspire global movements for justice.
The 80th Anniversary of the Fifth Pan-African Congress — where visionaries like W. E. B. Du Bois, Kwame Nkrumah, and Amy Ashwood Garvey united to confront colonial oppression.
Honouring Paul Stephenson OBE — leader of the 1963 Bristol Bus Boycott.
Honouring Lord Herman Ouseley — instrumental in advancing Britain’s approach to institutional equality.
Their legacies reinforce that our present progress is rooted in collective courage and unwavering solidarity.
Why This Matters for Mental Health and Carers
At the core of the National Ethnic Mental Health Carer Forum’s mission is the recognition that cultural heritage and identity are integral to wellness and caregiving. It’s a call to action. It urges us to:
Break down barriers that impact mental health support.
Cultivate environments where cultural pride is part of healing.
Celebrate carers, families, and communities who carry resilience forward every day.
I hope the month brings us together, brings communities together to celebrate black history. Thanks for reading.
