Merton is marking Carer’s Week by announcing three new initiatives to support, celebrate and recognise our carers, including more money into our carers grant, launching two new support sessions and extending the free specialist singing sessions. 

“This Carers Week, I want to say thank you to all of our incredible carers across Merton”, says Councillor Leader, Ross Garrod. 

“Caring for someone you love can be rewarding, but it isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re launching new initiatives to support Merton’s hardworking carers, including investing more into our carer’s grant so more carers can take a break, book a course, or buy something they might need. We’re also launching new support sessions and extending existing ones which will help both carers and the people they support.” 

In Merton, it is estimated 13,000 residents are caring for a friend, family member or neighbour who is ill, elderly or disabled. To support our carers, we are launching new ways to help carers connect with their community and access help and support across the borough. 

First, Merton is increasing  its funding for the carers grant, called the Carers Discretionary Payment. This grant allows carers to receive a one-off payment for a short break, to cover the cost of training courses, equipment, or for other items or expenses. 

In addition, two new support groups will be launching this month, increasing the total number of support groups available to carers in Merton to 11. The new groups are Mencap Meet Ups – a support group for carers of people with learning disabilities or autism, running on the second Wednesday of the month and a new monthly Carers First   Support Group based in Wimbledon, running on the last Tuesday of the month at the Wimbledon library.  

And finally, Merton is expanding the Singing for the Brain sessions. These sessions,  are a free  music-based activity for residents with Dementia and their carers. A new taster session will be running in the Hall at St. Lukes Church, Wimbledon Park this Thursday 11 June, from 10.30 to 11.30am.  

In addition there are other activities running this week, including a cream tea at Vestry Hall on Wednesday, 10 June and a lunch and walk session for male carers on Friday, 12 June. A full list of the events taking place in Carers Week, and their times can be found here 

For more information about Carers assessment and support, please visit here