This guide has been put together to help the unpaid carers of Solihull learn and understand Carers’ Cards.
We have broken it into relevant sections to make it easier for you to understand. If would still like advice or assistance with obtaining and understanding the benefits of having a carers card, then please get in touch with us.Â
If you have reached this page and not sure if you are a carer then we can help you. Please follow the relevant link below for your age group, we are happy to help!
What is a carers card?
Should you be in an accident or taken unwell, the carers’ card will alert emergency services (who will look in your purse or wallet for identification) that you are a carer and that you have someone who depends on you.
Our carers’ cards are designed so that you can add three emergency contacts on the back of the card. We encourage you to have a discussion with the people you wish to be your emergency contacts and let them know, to make sure they are willing and able. If you do not have any close relatives or friends, your emergency contact might be social services or, in some cases, a care provider.Â
To find out more about how to plan for emergencies, we encourage you to take our free short online session for Contingency Planning (which can be done in your own time). This mini training session will equip you with all the knowledge you need to make an informed contingency plan, should you not be able to care in the short term. You can access this training by clicking HERE.
For your own safety, we do not recommend putting your address on your carers card.
What is a carers card?
Should you be in an accident or taken unwell, the carers’ card will alert emergency services (who will look in your purse or wallet for identification) that you are a carer and that you have someone who depends on you.
Our carers’ cards are designed so that you can add three emergency contacts on the back of the card. We encourage you to have a discussion with the people you wish to be your emergency contacts and let them know, to make sure they are willing and able. If you do not have any close relatives or friends, your emergency contact might be social services or, in some cases, a care provider.Â
To find out more about how to plan for emergencies, we encourage you to take our free short online session for Contingency Planning (which can be done in your own time). This mini training session will equip you with all the knowledge you need to make an informed contingency plan, should you not be able to care in the short term. You can access this training by clicking HERE.
For your own safety, we do not recommend putting your address on your carers card.
How do I get a carers card?
When registering with our service, one of our team members will take some details from you, including your name, age, contact details, and other basic information about you and the person you care for. They will also ask you about your caring role and what challenges you may currently be facing. Carers find us at different points of their caring journey, and therefore these questions help us to provide the support and resources that are right for you. We will send you our carers’ information pack containing all the details about our service and other resources we feel may be appropriate for you. Once we have received all the information we need from you, we will send out your carers’ card.
Can I get carers discounts?
The main function of the carers’ card is to identify to others that you are a carer, but it can also be helpful in situations where you may be able to access concessions when attending somewhere with the person you care for. Our carers’ card gives you access to several concessions in and around Solihull, and you can read our concession leaflet using the button below.Â
For other discounts or schemes operated by different organisations, you will need to prove that you are an unpaid carer to participate, and the carers card will help with that.Â
Please be aware that although we have made every effort to keep our concessions list updated, venues can change their conditions at any time. Therefore, if you are thinking about using your carers’ card for one of the noted attractions, we encourage you to check with the venue beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Can I get carers discounts?
The main function of the carers’ card is to identify to others that you are a carer, but it can also be helpful in situations where you may be able to access concessions when attending somewhere with the person you care for. Our carers’ card gives you access to several concessions in and around Solihull, and you can read our concession leaflet using the button below.Â
For other discounts or schemes operated by different organisations, you will need to prove that you are an unpaid carer to participate, and the carers card will help with that.Â
Please be aware that although we have made every effort to keep our concessions list updated, venues can change their conditions at any time. Therefore, if you are thinking about using your carers’ card for one of the noted attractions, we encourage you to check with the venue beforehand to avoid disappointment.
There are plenty of other places and schemes around Great Britain, with the goal of offering carers and their cared-for discounted, or sometimes free, opportunities to take part in various entertainment and respite. You can see a selected few of these listed below.Â
CarerSmart
CarerSmart is a partner of Carers Trust. It’s a club that is open to carers, people with care needs and staff and volunteers from across the Carers Trust network.
Joining is simple and free. And once you’re a member, you’ll be able to benefit from a wide range of offers, including:
- Cash back on shopping from numerous high street retailers
- Reductions on insurance renewals
- Discounts on holidays and travel arrangements
- Reduced price lifestyle activities
- Free and discounted legal advice services
Cinema
You cannot use our carers’ card to access concessions at the cinema. To access this type of concession, you would need a CEA card, which is a national card scheme developed for UK cinemas by the UK Cinema Association (UKCA). The card enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema. It has an annual fee of £6 and eligibility criteria apply, which you can read more about here.
National Trust
There are more than 500 National Trust sites for you to visit, and they have been working hard on making them more accessible for you and your cared-for. There is an access guide from the National Trust, that shows all of their current sites and the accessibility information for each site. This is great to help you plan your visit with your cared-for, to know whether they can accommodate you and your needs. You can find the access guide here.
Your cared-for can also take advantage of The Essential Companion card. This allows your cared-for to bring one or two carers or companions with them, free of charge. They will simply show the card when you arrive, and you as a carer or companion won’t need to pay an entry fee. Learn more using the button below.Â
It is important to note that if your cared-for is NOT a National Trust member, then they will have to pay an entrance fee. However, this still means that up to three of you can enter a National Trust site for the price of one.Â
Public Transport
Buses
You may be able to travel for free, or pay a reduced fare, if you travel with the person you care for. There is access to the Disabled Person’s Bus Pass and the Older Person’s Bus Pass.
Your cared-for might qualify to apply for a disabled person’s bus pass. Alternatively, if you are disabled, you can also apply for one. A disabled person’s pass enables the holder (the individual named on the pass) to travel for free on buses during off-peak hours.
You, or the person you provide care for, are eligible to receive an Older Person’s Bus Pass for free travel upon reaching the female State Pension age, regardless of gender.
Public Transport
Buses
You may be able to travel for free, or pay a reduced fare, if you travel with the person you care for. There is access to the Disabled Person’s Bus Pass and the Older Person’s Bus Pass.
Your cared-for might qualify to apply for a disabled person’s bus pass. Alternatively, if you are disabled, you can also apply for one. A disabled person’s pass enables the holder (the individual named on the pass) to travel for free on buses during off-peak hours.
You, or the person you provide care for, are eligible to receive an Older Person’s Bus Pass for free travel upon reaching the female State Pension age, regardless of gender.
Trains
You, or the person you care for, may be able eligible for a Disabled Person’s Railcard.
The Disabled Person’s Railcard is for people with a disability that makes travelling by train difficult.
However, there are many other railcards available that you may be eligible for, that can offer you discounted train fares:
- 16–25 Railcard
- Senior Railcard
- Two Together Railcard
- 26–30 Railcard
- Family & friends Railcard
- Network Railcard
- 16–17 Saver
- Veterans Railcard
Trains
You, or the person you care for, may be able eligible for a Disabled Person’s Railcard.
The Disabled Person’s Railcard is for people with a disability that makes travelling by train difficult.
However, there are many other railcards available that you may be eligible for, that can offer you discounted train fares:
- 16–25 Railcard
- Senior Railcard
- Two Together Railcard
- 26–30 Railcard
- Family & friends Railcard
- Network Railcard
- 16–17 Saver
- Veterans Railcard
Frequently asked questions
What if my card has expired?
Please let us know if your carers’ card has expired. You can do this by calling us at 0121 788 1143, and one of the team will update any change of circumstances and issue you a new card
I’ve misplaced my card can I have another?
Yes, please let us know if you have lost your card and we can re-issue you with another. Just call us on 0121 788 1143.
How old do I have to be to have a Carers Card?
Our adult carers card is for adults 18+ however, young carers registered with our service can access a carers card too but this will have different benefits and criteria. To find out more about the young carers card call the young carers team on 0121 788 1143 and option 2.
What if the person I care for goes out with a family friend or paid carer, can they use my card to get a concession?
No, unfortunately, the carers’ card is registered solely to you and for your use only. However, they may still be able to gain a concession if the person you care for has proof of disability, such as an access card.
How can I contact you?Â
You can contact us by phone or email.Â
All information, including our phone line opening times, can be found by clicking the button below.Â
