Carers Week 2026: Understanding carers’ assessments
This week we’re celebrating Carers Week – a chance to recognise and support unpaid carers across our communities.
Carers Week is an annual campaign that shines a light on the important role unpaid carers play, while raising awareness of the challenges they can face. It also helps people who may not see themselves as carers to recognise their role and find the support available to them.
This year’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities , celebrates the power of places, services and networks where carers feel recognised, understood and valued. These communities help make support part of everyday life, ensuring carers get the opportunities and help they need.
Each day of Carers Week focuses on a different theme. To kick things off, Monday is all about social care. We’re focusing on carers’ assessments and how they can help people access the support and resources that make caring a little easier.
Carer’s assessments: what they offer and how to get one
If you support someone with their mental health, a carer’s assessment is one of the most practical ways to get the right help around you.
A carer’s assessment is free and available to any adult providing unpaid care, no matter how much support you give or whether the person you care for has their own assessment.
Despite the name, it is not a test of how well you are caring. You are not being judged. It is a conversation about what would make your role more manageable and sustainable.
Why it matters
The focus is on you and your wellbeing. Following an assessment, you may be offered:
- respite or short breaks
- practical help at home
- training or information
- peer support
- advice on benefits and finances
Even small changes can make a real difference day to day.
How to access one
You can request an assessment through your local council:
- NHS guide: https://www.nhs.uk/social-care-and-support/support-and-benefits-for-carers/carer-assessments/
- Find your council: https://www.gov.uk/find-local-council
You can also contact your local carers centre. They can help you request an assessment and prepare for it:
Merton: https://www.mertoncarerscentre.org
Kingston: https://kingstoncarers.org.uk
Wandsworth: https://www.carerswandsworth.org.uk
Richmond (Carers in Mind): https://www.richmondcarers.org/services/carers-in-mind/
Sutton: https://www.suttoncarerscentre.org
These services offer free advice, emotional support and help navigating the system.
A practical tip
Before your assessment, jot down what a typical week looks like and where things feel most difficult.
You do not have to manage alone. Support for you matters too.
National Carers Cards
The National Carers Card was launched in 2019. Founded by carers to empower their peers and the people they look after. The card provides proof of status for access to support services and to identify your role to others in an emergency. It can also unlock carers' discounts or concessions designed specifically for carers
You can get proof of carer status by completing a carers assessment. A carer is anyone who provides support to someone receiving treatment who cannot manage without your support. Whether you look after a family member, friend or neighbour, you may be eligible for a National Carers Card
For SWLStG Carers who are residents of Wandsworth, Richmond, Sutton and Kingston should contact their local carers centre for a letter of support to go with your application. The card costs £20 plus postage.
Merton carers who are registered with Carers First Merton only pay the postage fee. The Merton National Carers Card:
· helps you prove you are a carer
· gives access to discounts and concessions from a wide range of local and national organisations
· has a link to your emergency contact person
· allows your emergency contingency plan to be shared securely with your nominated emergency contact person
You can get a Merton National Carers Card if you care for someone who lives in Merton and either:
· you are registered with Carers First Merton (you can register online now )
· you are aged 18 or over and have a carer’s assessment from Merton Council
To find out more about whether you are eligible for a Carers Cards contact your local carers centre.
Carer Passport Scheme
Another option available to workplaces, schools, colleges, public services, and business who want to help Build Carer Friendly Communities is to collaborate to develop carer passports. To find out more and help make this vision a reality have a look at About carer passport schemes | Carer Passport Schemes
