What is a carers lanyard - and do you need one?

If you support someone because of age, illness, disability or additional needs, you’ll know that caring often happens in public as well as at home. You might be accompanying the person you care for on a day out or shopping trip, to an event, to the leisure centre - all places where interactions with staff and other visitors or shoppers are frequent.

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A common misconception others might have is that you're simply there as a friend or family member enjoying the day out together. The reality is more complex: this is true in a sense, but you're not just enjoying the day, you're doing the work of caregiving: you might be helping them use mobility aids or take medication, and generally ensuring they are safe and comfortable at all times. Even without personal care or physical work, the work of emotional support and emotional management of the situation adds a layer to any outing.

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While recognition of the role of carers is growing, and reasonable adjustments such as complimentary companion tickets are a way of acknowledging that reality, carers can still face scenarios where they need to explain why they need to accompany the person, why their car is parked in the disabled bay, or why they need access through a different entrance or queue alongside the person they care for. A lanyard does not always replace a conversation, but it can make that conversation easier to start.

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A carers lanyard is a simple way to show others that you are in a caring role, without having to explain yourself repeatedly. Even if you already have a carer ID such as the National Carers Card, you might not always be able to get the card out of your wallet in time.

• It helps staff at venues or events quickly identify you and proactively offer assistance
• It can help staff identify who to ask for help, or who to notify if a problem arises
• If sends a message even if your hands aren't free
• It simplifies requests for help or patience
• It can smooth over difficult or intrusive conversations and avoid repetition
• Thanks to its bright colour and contrasting text, it is quickly and easily identifiable

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So, do you need one? Not every carer may need that quick recognition. If most of your caring takes place at home, or you rarely need to ask for adjustments in public, a lanyard may not feel necessary. But it can be helpful if you often visit busy places where staff need to understand your role quickly, including airports, train stations, hospitals, supermarkets, visitor attractions, theatres or sports venues.

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About the National Carers Card and Verified Carer Lanyard

The National Carers Card, set up by carers in 2019, is a form of visual identification for carers across the UK. Designed to support and acknowledge the invaluable role of professional and unpaid carers, the card also helps with accessing discounts and other benefits that make daily life a little easier, and can help mitigate the impact of the unpaid carer penalty. The scheme also offers the Verified Carer Lanyard to card holders for just £5.