Supporting Our Young Carers

Young carers across Rhondda Cynon Taf provide a vital role to so many
individuals all year around, and to coincide with this year’s Young Carer
Action Day (Tuesday, March 16), the Council is launching its new and exciting
Young Carers ID Card.
Working in partnership with Carers Trust Wales, the Council is supporting the
Welsh Government’s national young carer ID card project,, which will help all
of our young carers be identified, feel validated, and receive the support they
deserve.
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is among the first group of local authorities in
Wales to launch a Young Carers ID Card as part of the national project. This
card which will help teachers, GPs, pharmacists and other services, identify
young carers and support them appropriately.
The RCT young carer ID card will contain a photo of the young carer, an
expiration date, as well as contact information for the local authority and
young carers service. All cards display the national Young Carers ID card logo
which was designed by two young carers, following a national competition in
2019.
Councillor Christina Leyshon, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet
Member for Children’s Services, said: “It is part of normal family life for
many children to help out with domestic tasks in and around the home and
with the care of younger children.
“However, some children and young people have much bigger commitments
than others. Young people who care for ill or disabled parents or siblings do
so out of love of course, and they often find the role very rewarding, but for
some, without support their caring role can take a toll on them.
“The Council continues to support and manage the day-to-day activities of all
its young carers as we recognise the vital role they play in our communities,
especially during these challenging times.

“I would like to thank all of our young carers, who often carry out their caring
work while also undertaking their own school or college work. I have met
many of these young people – they are truly inspirational and totally dedicated
to their roles.”
Young Carers ID Card – Carers Trust Wales (URL link to webpage)
https://carers.org/around-the-uk-our-work-in-wales/our-work-in-wales
All young carers living in Rhondda Cynon Taf are now eligible for a Young
Carers ID Card, a valuable addition to the existing support services available
to them from the local authority, local health board and other organisations,
including schools.
Julie Morgan, MS, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services said: “I
want to express my thanks to all of Wales’ young carers and young adult
carers for the fantastic support they give to family and friends in such testing
times.
“Even before the pandemic started we knew young carers and young adult
carers faced numerous pressures whilst caring for someone. The past 12
months have shown us that unfortunately many people don’t know how to
recognise, help or support a young carer.
“This national ID card will give young carers a quick way to easily inform their
teachers, supermarket staff, pharmacies or their GP surgery, that they look
after someone. It will also help them access their rights under our Social
Services and Well-being Wales Act 2014, including their right to a carers’
needs assessment.
“I am pleased that we are working closely with local authorities and Carers
Trust Wales to ensure every area of Wales offers its young carers an ID card
by 2022. By working together we can all deliver better support and
recognition for young carers throughout Wales.”
Young carers are children and young people who care for someone because
they are ill, disabled, are elderly, are affected by mental health issues or are
experiencing substance misuse problems. Young carers can also be young
people taking on a significant responsibility by helping to care for a sibling who
has care and support needs.
Kate Cubbage, Head of External Affairs for Carers Trust Wales, said:
“Young carers across Wales have long called for an ID card to help them get
the recognition they deserve and the support they need. We are delighted that
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is launching their ID card as part of the new
national model this Young Carers Action Day and we look forward to every
area in Wales having an ID card by 2022.

“The card and supporting resources for professionals will help to empower
young carers to speak openly with health, social care and education
professionals about their needs.
“We are pleased to have worked with Welsh Government, local authorities
and professional bodies across Wales to make such positive progress for
young carers.”
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, in association with the Welsh Government and
Carers Trust Wales, is committed to supporting young carers. For further
information on Young Carers Support in Rhondda Cynon Taf, visit our website