Merton Council has launched Carers Cards for young carers, providing them with access to support and discounted activities. The initiative aims to provide practical assistance and recognition for their contributions.
To be eligible for a card, young carers must be under 18 and registered with Carers First for an initial assessment and consent. Carers First will assess young carers to determine their eligibility for the card.
The initiative follows the Carers Strategy and consultations with young carers. The cards were formally launched at an event held at Vestry Hall on 13 August 2025, where 35 young carers received their cards, with a strategy to ensure all assessed young carers receive a card throughout 2025.
The Carers Cards are provided at no cost to the local authority, thanks to negotiations with National Disability Card (NDC) UK, who deliver the National Carers Cards. The cards are valid for five years, after which they can be renewed with appropriate support.
Each card includes contact details for assistance if the carer is unable to provide care. The details of contacts and the care plan for the cared for will be accessible via a QR code and password protection, ensuring the privacy and security of personal information. They also offer access to a range of discounted activities for young carers.
The initiative was discussed at the Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel meeting on 10 September 2025, as part of a departmental update. The Public reports pack provided to the attendees stated that a website to access the cards has been launched and will be published on the Council's web page, and various media campaigns including work with schools and voluntary agencies , will follow to continue to expand the number of young carers who benefit from the cards.