Discounts for Carers at Ealing's Leisure Centres

New scheme to help those who help others

Local people with care responsibilities can now get discounts at the borough's sports and leisure centres.

The leisure pass gives reduced fees at council owned facilities and Ealing’s public golf courses, Will to Win tennis in Pitshanger Park and Eight Level Health and Fitness, Southall.

In addition, pass holders receive concessions on CDs, talking books and language course hire at the borough’s libraries, as well as a reduced rate for book reservations.

Leisure passes are already available to senior citizens, those on income support or unemployment benefit (six month pass only) and employee support allowance. Full-time students also benefit; as do adult and child dependents of leisure pass holders.

Annual passes cost £4.10 for an adult pass and £2.05 for a child pass. Applications should be made in person at any facility managed by Everyone Active. The full list of facilities managed by Everyone Active is available at www.ealing.gov.uk/leisurepass.

Those applying as carers must either produce a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions if they are in receipt of a carers benefit, or a letter from Ealing adult social services confirming their role as a carer.

Councillor Hitesh Tailor, cabinet member for health and adults services, said: “I am delighted to announce this latest support from Ealing Council. I fully recognise what carers give up to look after their loved ones and this can result in financial and emotional pressures. Extending the leisure pass in this way is just one of the ways that we can help and say thank you for everything that they do.

“As well as the leisure pass, Ealing Council offers a range of other support to eligible carers, such as respite care, a discount on council tax, a special parking permit and access to Ealing’s handyperson scheme. Carers do a lot for Ealing and I am pleased that Ealing can give something back to them.”

For more information on the support and benefits available to carers in Ealing, go to www.ealing.gov.uk/carers, email sscallcentre@ealing.gov.uk or call 020 8825 8000.

8th September 2015