Hackney Carers Card

As part of the Carers Strategy and Action Plan, Hackney Council have launched the Hackney Carers Card scheme. Read on to find out about the benefits of the scheme.

New helpline service for carers Carers needing advice and information can now contact the new Hackney carers helpline. The service is staffed by people who can advise on a range of issues including services available to carers, carers assessments and how to apply for the Hackney Carers Card and Carers Retreat Breaks. The helpline is open from 8am-8pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm on Saturdays. Please see contact details on the right.

Who is eligible?

If someone provides regular, unpaid care to a Hackney resident, who is frail, ill or disabled or suffers from an illness, they can apply for a free Carer's Card. This includes those with parental responsibility for a child with a disability and young people and children who may also be carers.

Benefits?

Carers will be able to receive discounts on goods in Hackney retailers, up-to-date information and priority access to some services.

So far, 50 local retailers are participating in the scheme including pharmacies, a florist, restaurant, cinema, opticians, jewellers, carpet shop, stationers and many more (download list from the right of this page). Carers will be able to receive discounts on the production of their card.

Card holders will be able to take advantage of concessionary rates at participating Hackney leisure centres. Leisure centre staff will register carers as a “Wellness Member”.

Future plans

We are also exploring additional possibilities for the card. We welcome feedback from carers with ideas for additional benefits and services.

How to apply

Carers can apply for a card by completing and returning an application form which is available in the following ways -

• From the download box on the right of this page
• By telephoning the carers helpline on 020 8356 3000, or
• Request a form by post by emailing your address to info@hackney.gov.uk

Before you return the form please -

• Complete the professional verification box which should be verified by a district nurse, CPN, social worker, care manager, your GP, occupational therapist or voluntary organisation manager
• Enclose two passport size photographs
• You and the person you care for, if they are able to, sign the application form

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Page updated: 23 Jul 2008