Issue - meetings

To hear from Simon Farrow, Business Development & Engagement Manager, Haringey Leisure Service on how they are supporting carers to access leisure opportunities.

Simon Farrow Business - Development & Engagement Manager

When a registered carer attends leisure centres with the cared for person they can use the facilities for free.

When a registered carer attends on their own they can receive approximately a 25% discount depending on the activity.

There are currently 47 registered carer card holders.

Noted that respite is an issue in enabling the carer to attend leisure centres. 

Noted that those over the age of 65 years receive an Active Leisure card anyway – this would include carers which are not identified as such.

Query as to what publicity has been done to inform carers of the benefits.  Noted that more could be done in this area.

Questions as to whether a person is a carer are not explicit on the membership forms.  To enable more people to take advantage of the benefits this should be looked at.

There is a need to look at a variety of ways to capture carers and allow them to take up discounts available.

What is the start point for people identifying themselves as carers?  Is it at hospitals? GP surgeries? Job Centres?

Until a person identifies them-self as a carer they won’t ‘see’ adverts, information etc aimed at carers.  There is a need to get people to identify themselves as carers as a starting point.

Information for carers should be in places that the carer goes e.g. in waiting areas at centre where they could be waiting for the cared for person.