Contents

Event Schedule and Locations
New Long-Term Support Initiatives
Financial Support and Grant Updates

Merton Council is marking Carers Week with a series of community-led events and a significant boost to local financial support for the estimated 13,000 residents who provide care for friends, family, or neighbours. The initiative aims to provide both respite and social connection for those supporting others with illness, disability, or age-related needs, while expanding the long-term infrastructure available to local caregivers.

Event Schedule and Locations

Residents can access a range of free social and therapeutic activities from 10 June to 12 June. These sessions offer a dedicated space for carers to step away from their daily responsibilities and connect with others in similar circumstances.

Event	Date	Venue
Cream Tea	10 June	Vestry Hall
Singing for the Brain	11 June	St. Lukes Church
Lunch and Walk	12 June	Various locations

The ‘Singing for the Brain’ taster session, scheduled for 11 June from 10.30am to 11.30am at St. Lukes Church in Wimbledon Park, is specifically designed to provide a music-based activity for residents living with dementia and their carers. Other events, such as the lunch and walk session on 12 June, are specifically tailored to provide social outlets for male carers within the borough.

New Long-Term Support Initiatives

Beyond the week-long programme, the council is expanding its permanent support network to a total of 11 dedicated groups across the borough. These additions are designed to provide ongoing peer support and easier access to local resources.

Key additions include:
* Mencap Meet Ups: A support group specifically for carers of individuals with learning disabilities or autism, held on the second Wednesday of each month.
* Carers First Support Group: A new monthly meeting launching at Wimbledon Library, operating on the last Tuesday of every month.

Financial Support and Grant Updates

Council Leader Ross Garrod has confirmed an increase in funding for the Carers Discretionary Payment. This grant provides a one-off payment designed to assist carers with the costs of short breaks, professional training courses, or the purchase of essential equipment.

This funding adjustment is part of a broader effort to acknowledge the challenges of caregiving. The council encourages residents to consult the official Merton Council website to view the full list of events, verify specific timings, and review the eligibility criteria for the discretionary grant.

For those seeking long-term assistance, the council also provides information on carers’ assessments, which are essential for accessing ongoing support services beyond the scope of Carers Week activities. Interested residents should visit the council’s online portal to register for events or to begin an application for financial assistance.

Source: Merton Council