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Carer identification cards, discounts, travel and trips out
Information correct as at September 2025
Sutton Carers Centre does not provide Carer identification cards, however we are able to provide a personalised letter confirming when you registered with Sutton Carers Centre, so please get in touch if this may be useful.
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Also, make sure you speak to your GP (and the GP of the person you care for if different). For some useful information on talking to your GP check out Carers UK.​
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Contents
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​​If you have problems accessing or find any of the information requires updating, please contact us.
Carer Cards
Carers Card UK offer a photo ID card at a charge (currently £8 for a two year 'membership') which includes access to some online 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 award letter. Some people have advised that the card is helpful just for the discounts available, but you'll need to see what potential benefits it could bring to your household.
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 tickets for carers and other “reasonable adjustments” (eg queue jumping) without having to go into loads of personal detail. It currently costs £15 for a card lasting three years- see The Access card is accepted at Chessington World of Adventure and many other venues across the UK.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower 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 '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, currently costing £11. The Sunflower scheme doesn’t help with getting discounts but can make it easier when out and about.
Carersmart - is 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 discounts etc -
There are other similar online discount schemes that might also be worth checking out for example, Discounts for Carers
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Travel cards
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:
Provides one third of train fares for the person with a disability and a companion.
This is a parking concession for people with disabilities. The Blue Badge includes a photo is also accepted at some venues as proof of disability.
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Trips out
If you are visiting somewhere with the person you support, it can be helpful to carry with you a copy of their disability benefit award letter (disability benefits include Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance). Many venues accept a disability benefit award letter as proof that you are a carer for someone with a disability. However please check this before you go as some venues ask people to join their access scheme or to provide another form of ID eg an Access Card (as above).
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CEA Cinema Card is accepted by local cinemas and provides free Carer tickets for someone accompanying a card-holder. Eligibility is based on receipt of a disability benefit (e.g. DLA, PIP or Attendance Allowance) and children must be 5 years or over. The card currently costs £6.50 for a year. Click here for full details and to apply. The CEA card includes a photo so some Carers have found it helpful as ID for the person cared-for.
Theatre access - Wimbledon and other Ambassador Theatre Group (ATG) theatres have a free Access Scheme providing seating suitable for wheelchairs, free Carer tickets and more. Other theatres have similar schemes so it’s always worth checking on their websites or phoning ahead before booking.
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Radar (disability) toilet keys - Most disabled toilets require access by a member of staff, or the use of a radar key. You can order a radar key from Disability Rights UK. and they are also available for sale on Amazon etc. Changing Places provides information and a map to see if the place you are visiting has a large toilets with a bed and a hoist.
Mobilise also has a list of accessible venues and tips for days out.
