Matthew's Story - Supporting Carers Week 2024
Matthew McKenzie, a carer activist, poet, and author of ‘A Caring Mind’, shares his perspective on the significance of Carers Week 2024. For Matthew, this annual campaign is more than just a week on the calendar – it's an opportunity to shine a light on the invaluable role carers play and the challenges they sometimes face.
Matthew's involvement at our Trust has given him a unique perspective on the importance of this week. "As someone who helps shape carer services on involvement at South London & Maudsley, I feel it is a great time to support Carers Week," he says.
The Trust tries to involve families and carers at every opportunity. This can be via the Triangle of Care scheme to highlight the importance of carer input, or through the involvement register to get the views of carers on services.
We offer a wealth of resources tailored to the needs of carers. Matthew encourages carers to explore these resources. "Maudsley also has a lot of resources for carers; there are far too many to mention, but I do invite carers to look at the NHS Trust's Carers Charter, Emergency Planning booklet, and Carers Strategy," he shares.
It is so important carers can give their views on services because it can be difficult to know what people want unless they provide feedback.
The theme for Carers Week 2024, "Putting Carers on the Map," highlights the need to recognise and support carers who often go unnoticed. "All too often carers are ignored or hidden, so Carers Week is a great way to help get carers counted," Matthew says.
It is a great time to put carers on the map. I hope you can join me for Carers Week and help make a difference.
Join Matthew McKenzie and many others in celebrating Carers Week 2024, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who give so much. For more information, visit our carers page.
