Summer is here, and it is a great time to get out and about and enjoy all the amazing things to do in our local area. But if you are caring for someone with an illness or disability this can feel like a daunting task, whether with the person you care for or if you are grabbing some time out alone.
A bit of forward planning, as well as getting to know what help is available for you to access local attractions and services more easily, can help a lot. Carers Support Centre has plenty of advice and information on their website (www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk) to help you plan a day out, how to find carer and disabled friendly attractions, as well as what local discounts are available to you and / or the person you care for, and how to access them.
If you are planning a day out with the person you care for, things you may need to think about could include transport, accessible venues, accessible facilities and discounts for you or the person you care for.
Finding accessible tourist attractions and leisure facilities: Many visitor attractions have made real efforts to make sure they are accessible to all, so if you have a particular place in mind it is always worth checking on their website or giving them a ring to find out what they have in place.
Transport: You can also find loads of helpful information and links on the Carers Support Centre website if you need help with transport, whether that is information about bus passes and discounted rail travel, access to community transport schemes, or advice about travelling with medical equipment.
Discounts and free entry: Lots of local attractions and businesses now offer discounts for carers, and most visitor attractions and leisure facilities should give free entry for carers if you are supporting the person you care for.
Whatever you end up doing this summer, have a great time!
If you or someone you know is a carer in need of help, contact CarersLine: 0117 965 2200 email: carersline@carerssupportcentre.org.uk
website: www.carerssupportcentre.org.uk
Photo above: SS Great Britain. As a Victorian ship and dockyard there are inevitably sloped, uneven areas and tight corners – but great effort has gone into making the site accessible for all. Companions accompanying a disabled paying visitor can go in free.
