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Carers Week – 10th -16th June is a week dedicated to celebrating the UK's unsung heroes – unpaid carers. With over six million individuals providing invaluable care to their loved ones, it's time to recognise their tireless efforts and the impact they make on our communities. 

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.  

In this week’s Staff Spotlight Series, we spoke to Tendai, who has been an Inpatient Matron in the Croydon Directorate since 2020.  

Mary spent almost 30 years as a mental health and learning disability nurse at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. Her passion for mental health care didn’t stop when she retired. Instead, she continued her commitment by volunteering, particularly at the weekly parkrun event held at Bethlem Royal Hospital. 

Volunteers play a crucial role in providing comfort, companionship, and a listening ear to those navigating their mental health journeys. Isobel Mdudu, Volunteer Manager, highlights the meticulous training and support mechanisms in place to empower volunteers for their roles.