Merton Launches New Support Initiatives and Events for Carers Week

Emily Scott 2026-06-08 18:51 3 min read

A set table with a tea service and flowers in a sunny community room.

Merton Council is marking Carers Week with a dedicated series of community-led events and expanded financial support for the estimated 13,000 residents who provide unpaid care for friends, family members, or neighbours. The programme, running from 10 June to 12 June 2026, is designed to connect local carers with social activities while introducing long-term support networks.

Event Details at a Glance

Dates: 10 June – 12 June 2026
Venues: Various locations across Merton, including Vestry Hall, St. Lukes Church, and Wimbledon Library.
Cost: All listed events are free to attend.
Audience: Unpaid carers and the individuals they support.
Action Required: Residents are encouraged to visit the official Merton Council website to view the full schedule and confirm booking requirements for specific sessions.

Carers Week Programme Highlights

The week’s schedule focuses on providing respite and social connection through a variety of formats. Below are the key activities scheduled for the week:

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

The ‘Singing for the Brain’ taster session, held on 11 June between 10:30am and 11:30am at St. Lukes Church in Wimbledon Park, provides a music-based environment specifically tailored for individuals living with dementia and their carers. Other events, such as the lunch and walk session on 12 June, are designed to offer targeted social opportunities for male carers within the borough.

Expanded Financial and Long-Term Support

Beyond the immediate events of Carers Week, the council has announced structural improvements to its ongoing support services. Funding for the ‘Carers Discretionary Payment’ has been increased, enabling more residents to access one-off grants. These funds are intended to provide flexibility, covering costs for short breaks, professional training courses, or essential equipment required for caregiving duties.

To further bolster the local support network, the council is launching two new monthly groups, bringing the total number of available support groups in Merton to 11:

Mencap Meet Ups: A dedicated group for carers supporting individuals with learning disabilities or autism. This group meets on the second Wednesday of each month.
Carers First Support Group: A new monthly meeting hosted at the Wimbledon Library, taking place on the last Tuesday of each month.

How to Access Support

Councillor Leader Ross Garrod noted that while caring is a rewarding role, these initiatives aim to address the daily challenges faced by local carers by facilitating easier access to community help and financial relief.

For those looking to engage with these services, the council advises the following next steps:
1. View the Full Schedule: Visit the Merton Council website to see the complete list of events and specific timings for the week.
2. Apply for Grants: Information regarding the Carers Discretionary Payment and eligibility criteria is available through the council’s online portal.
3. Request an Assessment: Carers can request a formal carers assessment via the council website to understand what additional support or services they may be entitled to throughout the year.

Source: Merton Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Editorial Verification

This report is based on the official announcement from Merton Council regarding Carers Week 2026 schedules and support funding.

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