Tag Archives: Support Services

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

Follow Think Tenacity:
https://www.tiktok.com/@thinktenacity
https://www.instagram.com/thinktenacity
https://www.youtube.com/@ThinkTenacity

A New Study Giving Voice to Carers Experiencing Domestic Abuse

Caring for a loved one at the end of life is often described as an act of compassion and dedication. But for some carers, this role comes with a hidden and deeply challenging reality, experiencing domestic abuse from the very person they are supporting.

A new research project led by the University of Southampton is shining a light on this often overlooked issue. The study aims to understand what it is like to experience domestic abuse in a caring relationship, particularly when the person receiving care is seriously ill or nearing the end of life. It also seeks to explore what kinds of support carers need, and how health and social care services can respond more effectively.

This project brings together carers, professionals, and experts to share experiences and co-design practical guidance that could improve support systems and overall wellbeing for carers. By listening directly to those affected, researchers hope to create meaningful change in how services identify and respond to abuse in caregiving situations .

If you are a carer who has experienced domestic abuse or a professional working in health or social care, your insights could make a real difference. Taking part in the study is an opportunity to help shape better support for others facing similar challenges.

To learn more or get involved, you can contact the research team at ceda@soton.ac.uk or call 023 8059 7581.

Your voice matters. By sharing your experience, you can help build safer, more supportive care environments for everyone.

November 2025 Carers News — New Release from A Caring Mind

Welcome to the latest edition of my unpaid carer newsletter for November
This month’s release is full of insights, stories and resources to support carers across the UK.

Read the full newsletter here:
🔗 November Edition of A Caring Mind News

🔥 5 Hot News Stories & Must-Reads in This Issue

1. Carers Rights Day 2025 — What You Need to Know

A clear rundown of carers’ legal rights, financial support, and where to get free advice this year.

Carers Rights Day 2025 – “Know Your Rights, Use Your Rights!” – Carers Trust

It’s Time to Talk Differently about Unpaid Care – Carers Trust

The cost of caring – the impact of caring across carers’ lives

University contributes to national initiative supporting young adult carers

2. New Research on the Mental Health of Unpaid Carers

A powerful new study highlights the emotional and physical toll of long-term caring, plus steps carers can take to protect their wellbeing.

Carers and empowerment in the UK: a critical reflection

Judgements about carer assessments for carers of people with dementia: case vignette study

3. Tech Support for Carers: Free Tools You Can Use

This month we feature free digital tools and apps that help with scheduling, wellbeing tracking, and managing complex care tasks.

Using TEC to support unpaid or informal carers webinar – Derbyshire Carers

How Technology Helps Carers in 2025 – Apps, AI & Smart Tools Explained

4. The focus on Patient Carer Race Equality Framework

Ethnic and minority carer information and updates

Race equity in mental health: the systemic, legislative change we need

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Healthcare – “NHS Trust launches bold Anti-Racist Action Plan to tackle inequality and discrimination”

Hope, progress, and accountability: Tackling racial inequalities in mental health together – NHS England

An Afternoon with PCREF – Event

Making Time for Black Mental Health: A Black Male Carer’s Reflection

5. Inspirational Reads: Books & Resources That Lift the Spirit

From lived-experience stories to practical guides, we spotlight the best reads for empowering carers during the winter months.

Also in This Issue

My brand-new audiobook, The Poetry Book of Mental Health Caring, featuring poems written by unpaid carers across the UK
Upcoming events, workshops and support groups
Community stories and reflections

Read the full November edition here:
🔗 https://mailchi.mp/f8473b2dac00/carer-news-from-a-caring-mind-12848380

Reflections from King’s Mental Health Fair 2025 – A Carer’s Perspective

By Carer Activist – Matthew McKenzie

Today, I had the privilege of being part of King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust’s Mental Health Fair, held on Thursday 2nd October, in recognition of World Mental Health Day 2025.

The event brought together a wide range of organisations and community groups working tirelessly to support the mental health and wellbeing of patients, families, and carers.

Why carers need to be at the heart of mental health conversations

As someone who has cared for a loved one experiencing mental health challenges, I know firsthand the importance of recognising and supporting carers through the groups i run.

Continue reading →

Social workers & Managers Away Day event – Unpaid carers in Southwark

On February 25th, 2025, carers, professionals, and support organizations gathered at Tooley Street for a Carers event provided by Southwark Council. The event was developed by Sarah Bullman, Senior Policy and Strategy Lead for Adult Social Care over in Southwark. The event, hosted by Simon Rayner, provided an opportunity to connect, share updates, and explore ways to support carers in the community.

Key Highlights from the Event:

🔹 Carefree – Presented by Salil Meech Mazumdar, Carefree shared their work in providing much-needed short breaks and respite opportunities for unpaid carers, ensuring they have time to rest and recharge.

🔹 Southwark Carers – Sarah Bullman introduced Southwark Carers including Verinder CEO of Southwark Carers, an essential organization offering tailored advice, practical support, and advocacy for carers in the borough of Southwark.

🔹 Mobilise – A digital-first platform supporting carers, Mobilise was discussed in depth, highlighting how online peer support and coaching can help carers navigate their roles more effectively.

🔹 Imago – Known for their work in youth and adult carer services, Imago shared updates on their projects that focus on young carers, connecting them with resources and professional guidance.

🔹 Carers Hub/Centre – Southwark council focus on a new Carers Hub set for next year, where updates on focus groups and workshops on how the carers centre will be used for supporting unpaid carers.

The last section of the event was below

🔹 Voice of the Carer & Carer Empowerment – Chloe Harvey and Sarah Bullman provided updates on Southwark’s Carers Strategy, reinforcing the importance of carer voices in shaping policy.

Plus Matthew McKenzie, a well-known carer advocate, spoke passionately about listening to carers, empowering them, and ensuring co-production in decision-making. He also read moving excerpts from his book, The Poetry of Mental Health Caring, which resonated deeply with attendees.

The event concluded with a networking lunch, allowing attendees to connect, share experiences, and strengthen their collective efforts in supporting carers.

This forum was a powerful reminder that carers should never feel alone—there is a strong and growing community dedicated to uplifting and advocating for them. 💙