hi i was wondering if there is such a thing as a carers card for the carer to show to gain admission to facilities for reduced rates. apart from a  official letter stating the carers rate i am on, there seems to be nothing else.

apparently, the is a card that the rest of europe use, but to my knowledge, we in england have no such thing.

 i have a child of 12 with Severe learning disability and slightly autistic and it is not always obvious that he has a disability.

what does everyone think? 

Hi there. To my knowledge there is no standard card that would do this. There is however a number of different cards that are available from your local authority for leisure activities so that the carer can have free admission eg for swimming etc. The best thing to do is go to your local baths or leisure facility and ask where you apply for a card (this varies with local authorities). Its a simple form to fill out and the card is a great help!

Although this may not be for you, Odeon cinemas have a carers card scheme which allows the carer free entry to a film when they're with the person they support. Again ask at the box office and fill in a small form.

I'm sure that there must be other cards available so its always worth asking. I hope this helps and good luck!

thanks for that. i do have both the cards you suggest but wouldn't it be good to have a card that was country wide that you can use to prove you are in fact a carer. apparently the rest of europe have such a card....

I totally agree, it would make our lives so much easier wouldn't it! The only card that is a nation wide card for carers is the emergency cares card which as the name suggests, can be used in an emergency. Most local authorities have a scheme that you can sign up to that would also identify you as a carer. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Let me know if you hear of anything else!

 Helen :o)

I  am researching the issue of carers' cards before attending a meeting organised by the Dept of Health next week.  This meeting is to discuss the commissioning of services for carers and I want  to flag up the need for a card.  I think we need a card that gives us discounts on a national basis (i.e. not just for local leisure centres) for e.g. rail fares, shops, museums, theatres etc. (a bit like a student card). Please let me have your ideas for other places where it would be useful.  Perhaps the G.P. could be in charge of rubber-stamping and renewing on an annual basis? Do you know what the cards in Europe give discounts on and have u got a hyperlink to any sites describing such a card?

i will have a think and speak to friends in similar situations and get back to you.

 

some feedback : it would need to be attached to the person with the disability, like leisure key is , rather that a named carer, if that would be possible.

I agree that the carer's card should be nationwide (or Europewide if such a thing is possible). We live in Portsmouth and will go for outings in Hampshire or West Sussex, and might visit grandparents elsewhere in the country.  As parents of a small child with Down Syndrome we try to give her and her brother as much stimulation and experience of life as possible, but this is limited by many things including the fact that we only have one (mediocre) income.  Many tourist attractions volunteer to give discounts to carers but not all, and you can feel awkward asking.

The card needs to be issued to the person with the disability rather than the main carer to help with school trips or outings with other family members or friends etc. 

hi chipper,

let us know how you get on at your meeting.

i would be interested to see whether it was considered a good and possible idea.. 

Hi - is there any feedback on this?

A carers ID card can be obtained from info@alternate-therapy.co.uk

i think its about £3 and lasts a year.

And it is a National card.

Hi bogget,

 that card sounds interesting but i cant seem to find it.  was the link you posted an email? or website? 

please can any one tell my why children with dissabilitys in london , are entitled to an " i.card "  ,but its not available to children in kent and the surrounding areas , this is what we are all enquiring about under the name " carers card " seems unfair that if you dont live in london you dont get! i know people who have these and they entitle carers free entry to places when taking dissabled children , can we plese have one in kent and the surrounding areas please !!!!!!!!!!

Bogget apparently there is no such site as info@alternate-therapy.co uk is the spellig right ??

root@alternate-therapy.co.uk

this is the email of the link above.  

not sure about the card though. sounds like we could make our own up and laminate it .

still cant acsess that link for alternate therapy , am i doing something wrong ???

its an email address only!

couldnt find it myself, but her it is now

http://www.alternate-therapy.co.uk/Care/

 I have ordred one it took about a week to come, it gives you free addmission to most payable venues and has emergency numbers on the back in case the carer is in an accedent.

 I think its a good idea and saves pounds when your out, in Lincolnshire even most bus drivers let me on free when i am with my cared person with it.

How do we know this isn't just a scam? It seems like anyone can apply for it and doesn't display any specific venues that accept it yet?