During Mental Health Awareness Week, Kingston Carers Network (KCN) is highlighting the experiences of unpaid carers supporting someone with a mental health condition, alongside the importance of carers looking after their own wellbeing.
Many carers balance caring responsibilities alongside work, study and family life, often putting the needs of others first. We continue to provide tailored support, including a dedicated peer support group for carers supporting someone with a mental health condition.
The group is co-run with Kingston Mental Health Carers' Forum (KMHCF), a local organisation that provides support and advice for unpaid carers of people experiencing mental health difficulties, alongside respite activities, representation and campaigning work.
The group offers a safe and welcoming space for carers to connect, share experiences and access support, with guest speakers regularly providing practical guidance. Recent speakers have included Dalvinder Jammu, who spoke about accessing NHS 111 and urgent care services, and mental health law manager Tom Lelmezh, who explained the key changes in the Mental Health Act 2025 and what they mean for carers and patient rights.
This month, KCN and KMHCF are also launching a new joint monthly update, sharing information, news and opportunities of specific relevance to those caring for someone with a mental health condition. You can sign up to receive it here.
Alongside support for adult carers, KCN also runs a dedicated Young Carers Project offering advice, one-to-one support and activities for children and young people with caring responsibilities.
A key moment during this year's Mental Health Awareness Week will be a speech from Jack, who first became involved with our service when he was just five years old as a young carer and has continued his journey with us ever since. Today he volunteers and speaks with young carers about his experiences.
In his speech to our youth group, Jack will reflect on the importance of support and connection:
“Taking care of your mental health is important, even if you feel like no one cares about you, someone does.
Sometimes, the hardest thing for people, especially young adults or teenagers, to say is “I need help”. However, to help your mental health, admitting that you can't do something on your own is important.
Everyone in this room could be a person that helps you out the most, whether it’s a member of the Young Carers Project, or one of the volunteers. Perhaps one of your friends or siblings – find someone who will care and take the time to help you find and get the support you need.
Mental health isn't one problem with one solution; it's hundreds of tiny problems with hundreds of solutions.
However, something can always be done. Don't feel afraid to admit when you need help and say “I need help”. Maybe you're the solution to someone else's mental health puzzle.”
We thank Jack for his inspiring words and hope this week encourages more open conversations and greater awareness of the support available to carers across Kingston.
To find out more about available support and upcoming opportunities for adult carers of someone with a mental health condition, register with Kingston Carers Network and Kingston Mental Health Carers' Forum today.
Or visit our Young Carers Project page to find out how we support children and young people.