Heading out?

Proving you're a Carer

Sutton Council currently doesn’t provide a printed card showing that someone is a Carer.  However, if someone is registered with Sutton Carers Centre we can provide a printed or emailed letter confirming that you are a registered Carer.  Please let us know if that would be helpful.  

There are also paid Carer cards available. 

Where to go?

Did you know that Google maps can help you locate a wheelchair accessible somewhere?

Hopefully the lists of accessible attractions and holidays will continue to grow, so make sure you search online or check with your local travel agents to check what is available. In the meantime, here are a few links which may give you some reassurance and inspiration:

There are a few articles online, e.g. Top accessible attractions in London which lists some popular attractions you may not have thought about.

Many venues provide free Carer tickets if visiting with someone with a disability. The National Trust have an Essential Companion pass for Carers, which you can apply for here.  Even without this pass, the National Trust can provide a free companion/Carer ticket “on the door” as long as you can show proof of your companion’s disability e.g. a recent letter from the DWP confirming receipt of one of these disability benefits: Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Attendance Allowance.

Chessington World of Adventure

Guests with disabilities are entitled to a free Carer ticket, but will need to bring proof that the person you are supporting is getting DLA or PIP – see how to plan your trip here.

For guests who can’t stand to queue or don’t understand the concept of queueing, an All Ride Access Pass is available. Applications must be completed online, at least 7 days before your visit.  Chessington’s recommended proof for a Ride Access Pass is an Access Card  (read more here).

Cinema

Local cinemas accept the CEA Card which provides free Carer tickets for someone accompanying a card-holder.  To be eligible people must be receiving a disability benefit (e.g. DLA/PIP/AA) and children must be 8 years or over.  At time of writing, the card cost is £6 for a year.  

Theatre

Wimbledon Theatre and many other local theatres are part of Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG).  Their free Access Scheme provides seating suitable for wheelchairs, free Carer tickets and more.  You can find out more here. Other theatres have similar schemes so it’s always worth checking on their websites or phoning ahead before booking.

Access and discounts

Access card

The Access card gives quick and discreet information about the support you (or the person you care for) may need. It may gain you access to concessionary ticket prices and reasonable adjustments without having to go into loads of personal detail.  At the time of writing, the cost is £15 for a card lasting three years -  click here for full details. 

Carers Card UK

Another photo ID card (currently costing £8 for a two year period) which includes access to some on-line discounts.  Please note that the Carers Card doesn’t ask for proof of a diagnosis to join, so some venues might ask for further proof, such as a letter of diagnosis or a disability benefit (DLA/PIP/AA) award letter. Find out more here.

Carersmart

A free online discount club for Carers, providing discounts on days out, shops, insurance etc. They don’t provide a physical card but it’s free to join and can help with money-off deals. Find out more here. 

Other support for days-out

Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard/badge/card

The Hidden Disability scheme offers cards for Carers as well as people with hidden disabilities and health issues including autism, dementia, communication problems and much more.  A wide range of ready-made cards and badges are available as well as the recognisable sunflower lanyard which can be worn to show that someone may need some extra assistance/time.  The scheme also offers personalised photo ID cards, including cards for carers (at time of writing, costing £3.50).  The Sunflower scheme doesn’t help with getting discounts but can make it easier when out and about.  Find out more here.

Radar (disability) toilet keys

Disability Rights UK sell the official and only genuine Radar Key here. There are also Radar Keys for sale at Amazon. Read more on finding a toilet facility.

Mobilise for Carers  has a list of accessible venues and tips for days out here with a list of possible discounts for Carers, Carers Discounts and Carers Cards.

Disabled person’s Freedom pass:

In some areas of the UK there are free or discounted bus tickets for carers, but this is not available in London.  However the Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass  provides free bus/train/tube travel in London plus free bus travel throughout the UK for the person with a disability:  See here.  

Disabled Person’s Railcard:

Provides one third of train fares for the person with a disability and a companion.  Apply here.

Do you need to keep track of where the toilets are during your trip? Click here.

If you go somewhere you find particularly good for your accessibility or caring needs, please let us know so we can share your story.