Young carers’ ID card launched in Wales on ‘day of action’

ID cards for young carers to help easily identify themselves as having a caring role are launching across 11 local authorities today to coincide with Young Carers’ Action Day.

The ID card will 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.

It will also help them access their rights under the Social Services and Well-being Wales Act 2014, including their right to a carers’ needs assessment.

As well as a physical card other formats of ID are being tested, for example an app in Anglesey and Gwynedd or a wristband. With engagement with young carers, a national logo has also been created.

As part of the north Wales activity, local young carers have been involved with designing the ID card, including Hannah Mushrow (pictured above), 11, from Flintshire, cares for her older brother. She said:

“I help care for my 17 year old brother, he has Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Although he is 17 years old he is really like a 3 year old in lots of things he does, but looks 17. I call him my big, little brother.”

In November, Ceredigion was the first local authority to launch a card under the Welsh Government’s national ID card project, with Torfaen local authority and young carers’ service launching their card yesterday [Monday 15 March].

Welsh Government will make £150,000 of funding available for local authorities in 2021 to 2022 to further support the roll-out of the national ID card scheme, with the aim of ensuring every local authority area of Wales has a scheme in place by 2022.

Carers Trust Wales have been awarded £36,000 to produce information resources and provide training to health and education professionals to help them better understand the issues which affect young carers.

Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services Julie Morgan said: “Too often the ability of a young carer to achieve and progress in their studies or have a life alongside caring is hindered because schools, health professionals and others don’t know who or what a young carer is, or how to help them.”

“I want young carers to be able to identify themselves to others in a quick and easy way, so they can get the right help and support they need.”

“It has been a particularly difficult past year, however it is so important to recognise that being a young carers is not a negative – through their role a young person can acquire a wide range of life skills; from resilience in the face of everyday pressures, to time management and the ability to focus on what’s most important.

“Today, on Young Carers’ Action Day, I also want to take the opportunity to thank all our young carers and young adult carers who are helping and supporting their family members, friends and neighbours, in these extremely challenging times. You have and continue to do so much – diolch.”

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Social Services and the Council’s Carers’ Champion, Councillor Christine Jones, said: “Flintshire has been instrumental in achieving our unique regional approach in North Wales and ensuring its success.”

“I am delighted that the ID card will be launched on Young Carers Action Day.  These young people provide essential support to their families and loved ones and we greatly value their commitment and selflessness.”

“Flintshire will continue to help and support them and provide opportunities for education and employment that other young people have access to.”

There will be a phased roll-out of the national ID card, with all local authority areas in Wales having launched their card by April 2022.

Many areas in Wales are developing their localised roll-out plans now, however North Wales is taking a unique approach and developing the ID card in partnership to create greater awareness and recognition for our young carers.

North Wales and Powys’ launch is taking place on Tuesday 16 March 2020 at 5:30 pm.

If you know someone who would benefit from a young carers ID card, would like to attend the virtual evening launch on Tuesday 16th March 2020, or just wants to talk to someone about their caring role, please contact:

NEWCIS (Flintshire) – (01352) 752525 / [email protected]