By Matthew McKenzie BEM FRSA, member of SUITE
On Monday 5 October 2026 at the ORTUS, I shared my carer story at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust’s staff induction. I attended as a carer member of SUITE — Service User and Carer Involvement in Training and Education, managed by Angela Mitchell. The presentation was warmly received, and I was particularly pleased that my poetry video connected with staff.
I spoke about caring for my mother, who lived with schizophrenia, and my continuing role supporting my brothers. I reflected on the uncertainty of becoming a carer, the responsibilities that followed, and the difference it made when someone listened, explained things and recognised my own support needs. My message to staff was simple: carers bring knowledge, relationships and experience that deserve to be heard.
I also presented my award-winning photograph, “The Carer They Didn’t See,” which received a DUALITY photography award in 2026. The image shows my mother’s coat and shawl on a chair, while my own chair sits partly outside the frame. It reflects how unpaid carers can be constantly present in someone’s care, yet remain almost invisible to services.
Alongside the photograph, I shared my poetry video of the same name:
Watch “The Carer They Didn’t See” on YouTube
For me, staff induction is an important place for these conversations. It is where new colleagues begin learning about a trust’s values and how those values should shape everyday practice. Hearing directly from service users and carers brings a human perspective to that learning: what it feels like to receive care, support someone through distress, or struggle to be included.
Service users and carers offer distinct perspectives, and both deserve space. Their stories can encourage staff to reflect on how they listen, communicate and involve people from their very first day.
Thank you to Angela and the SUITE team for making room for my contribution. I hope the photograph, story and poem leave staff with one question to carry into their work: What could I do to help someone feel seen, heard and included?
