New ID card launched for young carers living in Neath Port Talbot

A new ID card has been launched in Neath Port Talbot to ensure young carers are recognised for their role in looking after family members.

The purpose of the ID card is to give young carers a quick way to inform teachers, pharmacists and GPs, staff in supermarkets, and community services such as leisure centres and local transport, that they look after someone.

The ID card is being launched to coincide with Young Carers Action Day (Tuesday 16 March), an annual event to raise awareness of young carers. The card, which was developed in partnership with Welsh Government and Carers Trust Wales, contains a photo of the young person, their personal details and the official ‘Young Carers’ logo.

Councillor Alan Lockyer, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services, said: “The ID card will be useful for young people who find themselves in a situation where they need to explain that they have caring responsibilities. This could be at school to help explain to a teacher or to a local store owner when out shopping.

“We have many young carers who are proud to care for a family member, but we must ensure that they get the support they need and recognition they deserve.”

“If you know of a young person in this situation who may not even realise they are a young carer, please get in touch with our Single Point of Contact service on 01639 686802”.

A young carer is identified as someone who looks after a friend or family member who cannot manage on their own because they have an illness or disability. In Wales alone, there are estimated to be 30,000 people under the age of 25 who have caring responsibilities.

Neath Port Talbot Council offers specific support to young carers through its Youth Service. They can help carers by involving them in activities to give them a break, talk to professionals on their behalf, provide information and advice on the support that is available to them and offer one-to-one youth work support.

Kate Cubbage, Head of External Affairs for Carers Trust Wales said: “Young carers have long called for an ID card to support them in their caring role and to help them have the confidence to ask for help when they need it.

“This Young Carers Action Day, we welcome many local authorities launching their ID card as part of the new national model, funded by Welsh Government and supported by Carers Trust Wales. We look forward to every area in Wales having an ID card available to young carers by 2022.

“Carers Trust is delighted to have received Welsh Government funding to lead the development of a suite of resources to support the rollout of the national model which will encourage young carers to have the confidence to speak openly about their caring role with health, social care and education professionals. The resources, available to download on Carers.org/YCID, will also give professionals the tools they need to recognise young carers and to give them appropriate support.”

“We’re pleased to have worked together with Welsh Government, local authorities and professional bodies across Wales to make such positive progress for young carers.”

Anyone who believes they are a young carer or knows someone who could benefit from further support should contact the Council’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) service on 01639 686802.