The Support Carers Deserve: Year-Round Discounts and Freebies

Explore essential discounts and freebies available to carers throughout the year, including travel, entertainment, and more.

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The Support Carers Deserve: Year-Round Discounts and Freebies Credit: Canva | en.Econostrum.info - United Kingdom

Carers Week, which takes place annually from June 9 to 15, brings attention to the difficulties encountered by unpaid carers. In the UK, numerous discounts, offers, and exemptions are accessible to alleviate the financial strain on individuals who provide essential care to family members or friends.

These initiatives are designed to offer financial relief and recognition for the vital role carers play in society. According to Manchester Evening News, a wide variety of benefits are available to carers, including discounts on travel, entertainment, and essential services.

Carer’s Discount Cards

A number of local authorities offer Carer’s Discount Cards, which allow carers to prove their identity and gain access to a range of discounts. These cards can be used alongside personal ID at supermarkets, pharmacies, GP offices, and various attractions. The Carer’s Allowance Letter of Award is also accepted as proof of a carer’s status.

Council Tax Exemptions and Discounts

Carers may be eligible for exemptions or discounts on their Council Tax, depending on their living arrangements. If the carer resides with the person they care for, they may be exempt from paying Council Tax altogether.

Additionally, any other adults in the home may qualify for a 25% or 50% discount. For those who do not live together, exemptions may still apply based on the carer’s time spent at the residence.

Exclusive Discounts With Carer Cards

Programs like the ‘Discounts for Carers’ card offer exclusive savings across various categories. Members can benefit from discounts on travel, homeware, fashion, mobile phones, utilities, gym memberships, and more.

The card can save carers up to £2,000 annually. Additionally, the ODE Cashback card provides up to 16% cashback at over 70 retailers.

Carersmart and Other Benefits

The CarerSmart card, partnered with Carers Trust, is a free membership offering carers access to various offers. These include cashback on shopping, discounted insurance, savings on travel, and reduced lifestyle activity prices.

There are also offers for discounted legal advice and cinema tickets, including free admission for carers accompanying those with disabilities.

Free Entry to Attractions and Theme Parks

Many attractions across the UK offer free entry to carers who are accompanying someone they care for. These include major sites like LEGOLAND, Thorpe Park, Chester Zoo, and National Trust properties. Museums, wildlife parks, and zoos are also part of this initiative, ensuring carers can enjoy a day out without financial strain.

Respite Breaks and Holiday Discounts

Various organizations provide specialized respite breaks for carers. The Family Holiday Association offers grants and discounts for low-income families in need of a holiday, while Honeypot provides countryside breaks for young carers.

Additionally, some holiday providers tailor packages to meet the needs of carers, helping them recharge and recuperate. These deals are designed to provide essential respite and rejuvenation, with options tailored to suit individual needs and circumstances.

Transport and Other Benefits

Carers can access discounted or free travel on public transport when accompanying a person with disabilities. For instance, the Disabled Person’s Railcard allows carers to travel at a reduced rate, and those with a Disabled Person’s Bus Pass can travel for free on off-peak buses. There are also options for free vehicle tax for those using mobility vehicles.

Finally, carers may also be eligible for a Blue Badge if they or the person they care for has difficulty walking, ensuring easier access to parking spaces.

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, stated:

Caring for a loved one should never be a reason for facing inequality, but sadly this is a reality for many in the UK. Unpaid carers are desperate for a break, for better health and social care provision, financial support, and equality in the workplace. Over half say they need better understanding and recognition from the public.

Carers Week 2025 is a crucial opportunity to increase awareness, highlighting those who provide vital care to family members, friends or neighbours when they need it most.

We want to see a future where they have the right support and the same opportunities to lead healthy and financially secure lives alongside their caring role.

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