Support Boost for Norfolk’s Young Carers
Tailored Young Carers Identity Passport will help professionals identify and better understand the needs of Young Carers.
The All Age Carers Identity Passport, co-produced by Carers Voice Norfolk and Waveney, will now include additional icons and information to support Young Carers. This tailored card for Young Carers launched earlier this month.
Voluntary Norfolk’s Young Carers Matter service, in partnership with Carers Voice Norfolk and Waveney and Norfolk County Council, has worked with Young Carers to tailor the information for them. The Carers Identity Passport has been co-produced for all ages and Young Carers themselves have co-produced the features to help teachers and other professionals working across health and social care better understand the additional pressures some pupils face due to caring responsibilities at home.
Young Carers often support family members with illness, disability, mental health needs or substance misuse. These responsibilities can affect their attendance, concentration and emotional wellbeing, yet their caring role is not always visible to professionals.
The Carers Identity Passport discreetly explains that the holder is a Young Carer and outlines some of the reasonable adjustments they may need, such as having access to a phone in case of emergencies, flexibility with homework deadlines, or additional pastoral support when needed.
Importantly, the Carers Identity Passport is not intended to label young people or lower expectations. Instead, it acts as a conversation starter and a prompt for understanding, helping professionals respond with empathy and consistency.
Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services at Norfolk County Council said:
“Young carers make an incredible contribution to their families, often while managing significant pressures of their own. The Carers Identity Passport for Young Carers is a simple but effective way to help schools and professionals recognise those responsibilities and respond with understanding and flexibility.
“By working closely with Young Carers, Voluntary Norfolk and Carers Voice to develop this tailored version of the Carers Identity Passport, we’re hoping to remove barriers young people face so they feel supported, listened to and able flourish.”
The design and wording of the card were shaped directly by Young Carers, who highlighted the stress of repeatedly having to explain their situation to new teachers or professionals.
Clare Pedersen, who leads Voluntary Norfolk’s Young Carers Matter service said:
“This Carers Identity Passport tailored for Young Carers is about recognition and reassurance. Young Carers told us they wanted something simple that helps professionals understand their situation without them having to constantly explain themselves. Small adjustments can make a huge difference to their confidence, wellbeing and ability to engage.”
The bespoke Carers Identity Passport for Young Carers was rolled out across Norfolk this month, with schools and professionals encouraged to recognise and support Young Carers who choose to use it.
Sharon Brooks, Chief Officer, Carers Voice said:
“We are thrilled to have worked alongside Young Carers, Voluntary Norfolk’s Young Carers Matter service, and Norfolk County Council to create a tailored Carers Identity Passport designed specifically for Young Carers, with Young Carers. Being recognised as a Carer can make a huge difference, and this passport has been co-produced to offer instant identification and spark important conversations—helping ensure every Young Carer receives the support they need to live their best lives.”
Beyond schools and colleges, the Carers Identity Passport is already recognised across acute hospitals, community health services, mental health services, GP practices in Norfolk and Waveney, as well as by social prescribers, dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, and occupational therapists.