I have just signed up. I have seen old posts regarding this subject, but nothing recent. (Last one was 2020) As things have changed a lot since then I wanted to know if there is any new data regarding Carer cards. I have seen other websites that have them and wondered if they are worth the card they’re printed on. I have been caring for my mum for over a year and I try and take her out at least once a week. It does become expensive when paying for 2 tickets. Are the carer cards genuine? Do they have any clout when used?
Hi LaRegina. My name is Kristie and i am an online community host for Carers UK. Welcome to the Forum. It sounds like you have a lot on your plate at the moment are you getting any extra outside support? I know it might not feel the same but the Forum has a number of Carers from all walks of life who understand what your going through and are happy to support you and share their experience. Also if you need advice there is a phone number you can contact and you can find the number on this website and it might give you the advice you need. Welcome to the Forum Kristie.
Ive never heard of such a thing as a carers card, but i work in a place that accepts HYNT cards, which gives reductions to entrance to museums, theatres etc. These are specific to Wales but i believe there is a version in England as well.
The way I understand it is that the person who requires the help registers for the card, andbthat entitles them to book tickets for attractions you would usually pay for, at a reduced rate, or in some cases free.
It also entitles the holder to have a carer ticket, usually at no additional charge. These are issued by a national organisation, not by local councils.
Hi LaRegina, mine is from a local carer support charity. On the back of the card it lists the person I care for and their address and another point of contact in case I collapse or get run over !!
In theory if mum is evidently disabled you as a carer can often go free. I have found the best way of avoiding difficult staff is to buy a ticket for my son online and then there is either a two for one disabled plus carer concession, or pay full price for the disabled person, carer goes free.
Hi @LaRegina There are schemes run by local carers services and the national scheme that you found, and all of them can be useful. But a lot of venues are switching to the Nimbus Access Card. If they accept that card, they generally don’t accept anything else. The Nimbus scheme requires a lot of information and a letter from your doctor, which you’ll have to pay for, before they decide to give you an access card (cost: £15 for three years). For how often my family would use it, the discounts avaiable would be lower than the cost of a doctor’s letter. And then there are the privacy issues. But that’s me.
@bowlingbun That was my feeling. It feels really intrusive, bearing in mind all the intrusive hoops we have to go through for our people to get PIP, DLA or AA.