Hello everyone, it’s Matthew McKenzie here with another lecture aimed at unpaid carers. As you can see from the title, I’m in carer activist mode, which is basically what I am. And when I say carer, I’m talking about unpaid carers, those that care for someone living with a long-term illness. In this lecture, we will focus on effective ways for carers to lobby the government and create change.
To see the video lecture, see below.
Why Lobby Now?
Urgent Issues
You might be thinking, why am I making this sort of video now? The NHS is due to undergo significant changes, which will cause a lot of problems and challenges, especially for carers.
Caring for someone with a mental illness is an emotional, often isolating experience. Unpaid carers—whether they are family members, friends, or loved ones—carry immense responsibility, yet their voices can feel unheard, especially within the healthcare system.
One of my poem’s “On Being Heard” taken from my book The Poetry Book of Mental Health Caring, captures this struggle with raw honesty.
Here is another blog post aimed at those caring for a loved one living with mental illness. If you want to see the video lecture of “Advocacy & Mental Health Care Top Questions Every Carer Should Ask”. Click on the video below.
Caring for someone with a long-term mental illness is both a noble and challenging task. In today’s society, unpaid carers, often family members or close friends, play a crucial role in supporting individuals with mental health needs. Despite their importance, unpaid carers frequently navigate a complex and overwhelming landscape of rights, services, and support systems.
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. 💙
Unpaid carers play an essential role in our healthcare system, especially for those dealing with mental ill health or long-term cancer care. Matthew McKenzie’s lecture brings much-needed attention to the critical role unpaid carers play and offers insights for both healthcare professionals and family members on how to better support these individuals. Let’s delve into key aspects highlighted in the lecture aimed at care awareness and support.
To watch a more indepth version please see the video below.
The Importance of Acknowledging and Valuing Carers
Unpaid carers are often the closest relatives or friends of the patient and have substantial insights about the patient’s history, symptoms, and what has worked best in their care journey.
Understanding Unpaid Carers and the Vital Role of Carer Centers
This blog is by carer activist Matthew McKenzie. In the UK, millions of people, often unnoticed and unappreciated, dedicate their lives to caring for family members with long-term physical or mental health conditions. These unpaid carers are the backbone of the caregiving system, yet they face numerous challenges daily. Here, we delve into the crucial role of carer centers, the obstacles they encounter, and potential solutions to sustain and enhance their vital services.
Why Unpaid Carers Should Connect with Other Carers
Unpaid carers play an essential role in society, often providing support to loved ones with long-term illnesses, both physical and mental. However, the journey of caregiving can be challenging and isolating, making it crucial for carers to connect with others in similar roles. Establishing these connections can provide numerous benefits, including emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community. In this blog by Matthew McKenzie, we will explore the reasons why unpaid carers should connect with other carers, structured around several key areas: emotional support, reducing isolation, accessing resources, practical advice, and mutual support for self-care.
If you want to watch the 20 minute in depth lecture, the click the video below.
Welcome to another blog post from Matthew McKenzie (who runs the London Cancer carer group) advocating for cervical cancer awareness, prevention, and support in 2025. In this blog you can learn about screenings, HPV vaccinations, and the crucial role of caregivers in the fight against cervical cancer.
To watch the 3 minute Cervical Cancer Awareness Month 2025 video, please click below.
Welcome to another carer awareness and educational blog post from carer activist Matthew McKenzie. If you want to see more a more detailed version of this topic, watch the video below.
Introduction
Caring for a loved one is both a noble and demanding task. Unpaid carers often find themselves juggling numerous responsibilities, and it can be easy to neglect their own well-being. One crucial source of support for unpaid carers can be their General Practitioner (GP). The purpose of this article is to highlight the top 10 ways unpaid carers can get support from their doctor, ensuring they maintain both their physical and mental health.
Why Unpaid Carers Need Support from Their GP
Raising Awareness of Health Concerns
When caring for someone with a long-term illness, whether mental or physical, the health of the loved one can decline over time. It is crucial for unpaid carers to raise awareness with their GP about these changes to ensure that the necessary support is provided and that it is documented in the patient notes.
Avoiding Carer Burnout
Carers often prioritize the needs of their loved ones over their own, leading to potential mental and physical burnout. Regular checkups with your GP can help monitor your health and prevent burnout. It’s vital that carers take care of themselves in order to continue providing the best care.
Access to Resources
GP practices can provide or refer carers to various resources, but it’s important to note that not all GP practices offer the same services. These resources can range from support groups to secondary care services for the loved one.
Regular Health Checkups
Importance of Regular Checkups
An important reason for carers to visit their GP is to get regular health checkups. These checkups are particularly important as carers age, helping to monitor and maintain their overall health.
Overcoming Appointment Difficulties
While it can be challenging to secure GP appointments, especially if you are busy or if the practice is crowded, it is essential not to neglect your own health. Make the effort to prioritize these appointments for your well-being.
Access to Community Resources
Social Prescribing
Social prescribing is an important resource for carers. Instead of relying solely on medications, GPs can refer carers to community groups or local care centers. This alternative approach can address issues like sleep problems, low mood, and overall well-being.
Support Groups and Programs
Local support groups and respite carer programs can provide significant relief and encouragement for carers. Always register at your local carer centre for carer support groups. Plus make use of talking therapies and other supportive measures.
Medication Management
Understanding Medication for Your Loved One
Managing medication for a loved one can be complex, especially when multiple medications are involved. GPs can assist carers in understanding how to administer these medications, recognize side effects, and manage any changes in prescriptions. This support is crucial to avoid risking the health of the person being cared for.
Financial and Legal Support
Navigating Financial Aid
For carers dealing with mental ill health or other serious conditions, financial and legal support can be necessary. Some GP practices can refer you to services like the Citizens Advice Bureau, which can help navigate these challenges.
Emergency Plans
Establishing an Emergency Plan
Having an emergency plan in place with your GP is vital, especially when caring for someone with severe health issues. This plan should outline steps to take if something goes wrong and include contacts for medical teams and emergency situations. The upcoming Universal Care Plan, expected to expand by 2024, will offer an online system for carers to manage these details effectively.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle
GPs can provide guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, which is crucial for both the carer and the person being cared for. This includes advice on diet, exercise, stress management, and overall well-being. Such recommendations can come from regular checkups or specific health assessments.
Developing Care Plans
Collaborative Care Planning
Gaining the cooperation of the person you’re caring for and collaborating with your GP to develop a comprehensive care plan can reduce stress and anxiety. Double appointments can be booked to address both your needs and those of the person you’re caring for.
Training and Education
Workshops and Training
GP practices may offer workshops and training programs for carers, often funded by the NHS. These sessions can cover various topics, from handling falls to managing specific illnesses. Proper training equips carers with the necessary skills to provide effective care.
Knowing Your GP Practice
Engaging with Your GP Team
Not all GPs are equally knowledgeable about the needs of carers. An informed GP who understands your role can significantly impact the support you receive. Carers should not hesitate to choose or change GPs to ensure they are getting the necessary support.
Utilizing Practice Resources
Beyond the GP, the practice team may include specific advisors such as mental health nurses or specialists in diabetes and physical health. Engage with the reception to understand what extra services are available, ensuring you leverage the full spectrum of support.
Planning Ahead for Emergency Situations
Emergencies can arise unexpectedly, and having a well-thought-out plan in place is crucial. Collaborate with your GP and relevant professionals to outline an emergency strategy. This proactive approach ensures that both you and your loved one are prepared for unforeseen circumstances.
Conclusion
The role of an unpaid carer is both challenging and vital. Engaging with your GP not only helps ensure the well-being of the person you’re caring for but also safeguards your own health. By taking advantage of regular checkups, accessing available resources, managing medications effectively, and planning for emergencies, carers can navigate their demanding roles with better support and peace of mind. Always remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved one.
Welcome to another carer awareness blog post from carer activist Matthew McKenzie. Today I want to raise awareness that carers should not always helpless and vulnerable. It is true that there are many things a carer cannot control, but that does not mean we should remain helpless.
There are coping strategies carers should try. It might seem like a cheap way to solve difficult and challenging issues, but the risk is mental and physical decline if you do not arm yourself with coping strategies. This is particularly important if you are caring for someone with challenging health issues.
There are ways carers can support themselves by developing problem solving skills in tackling isolation, negative thoughts and falling into bad coping habits.
First and foremost, it is critical that we admit that we are caring for someone. Once you get past that hurdle, you need to be aware of when you struggle with moods. There is no easy solution, as developing coping methods take time and energy. It helps to understand mindfulness and write about your feelings.
Understand what triggers you and work out a way to reduce those triggers. Getting angry about everything is a reaction and we need to protect our mental health. We cannot keep reacting to things, even if certain things are outside our control. This is especially when it comes to the health of the person we are caring for.
It is important to also set time aside to care for yourself. It might be exercsing by going for a quick walk or having to set boundaries. Some people wear themselves down due to their role and it is not helped with a fragile health and social care system. This does not mean there should be the tragedy of the ‘cared for’ suffering and also the carer. It is not selfish trying to set time for ourselves.
It could be a hobby, talking to a close friend or even confiding in another carer who has gone through that caring experience.
For more information on coping skills, please check out my video below.
Thanks for stopping by and if you are caring for someone, please also look after yourself.
A Caring Mind 