This year’s Carers Week theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, recognises the importance of creating environments where carers feel connected, valued and supported. Whether within healthcare services, workplaces or local communities, carers should never feel that they are carrying their responsibilities alone.
Opening the event, Shane Mills Group Executive Director of Nursing & Quality reflected on Cygnet’s commitment to working in partnership with carers and families. He spoke about the vital contribution carers make every day and the importance of ensuring that services recognise the expertise, knowledge and lived experience that carers bring. He highlighted how building carer-friendly communities starts with listening, involving carers in decisions and creating cultures where carers feel welcomed, respected and understood.
Laura Sheridan, Group Head of Carers and Service User Engagement at Cygnet, gave each Carer Lead a small windmill. She explained that although it might seem like a simple gift, she chose it because it reminded her of carers: a windmill moves because of something we cannot see. While we cannot see the wind itself, we can see the difference it makes. In the same way, much of the work Carer Leads do happens quietly and behind the scenes, and this thoughtful gift was a reflection of that invaluable contribution.
The day brought together a range of expert speakers who shared their knowledge, experience and perspectives on supporting carers.
Kate Mercer, Family Advocate from Black Belt Advocacy, and Dr Logan Naidu, Consultant Psychiatrist and Regional Medical Director for Cygnet Health Care, led a joint session on working collaboratively with carers and how family involvement contributes to safer, more person-centred care.
Carly Ellicott shared her research which focuses on young carers in early childhood. Carly shared emerging insights into the experiences of very young carers and highlighted the importance of recognising and supporting children and young people who may be affected by caring responsibilities from an early age.
Mary Patel, Triangle of Care Programme Lead at Carers Trust, explored the importance of meaningful carer involvement and how organisations can strengthen partnership working with families through the principles of Triangle of Care.
Professor Judy Laing, Professor of Mental Health Law and Policy, presented highlights the significant changes being introduced through the Mental Health Act 2025, particularly the move from the traditional Nearest Relative role to the Nominated person.
Alongside the presentations, the event provided an opportunity for Carer Leads to connect with colleagues from across Cygnet, exchange ideas and reflect on how they can continue to improve the experience of carers within their own services.
The work of Carer Leads is central to building carer-friendly communities within Cygnet. Through raising awareness, identifying carers, promoting involvement and ensuring carers have access to support, they help create services where carers feel recognised as partners in care rather than observers of it.
As we mark Carers Week 2026, we thank all carers for their invaluable contributions each day. We also recognise the dedication of our Carer Leads, who continue to champion carer involvement across Cygnet and help create communities where carers are seen, heard, valued, and supported.