Mid Devon carers receive leisure centre discount

25 per cent discount on membership

Carers in Mid Devon will be able to use leisure centre at a discount for a year.

The pilot scheme, which begins in May, will also provide free access for carers under 18.

Adult carers will receive a 25 per cent discount on membership, or a 20 per cent off casual sessions.

Mid Devon Leisure’s monthly membership fees for adults – which is defined for this purpose as people aged 23 and over – vary slightly depending on how they are paid.  The standard £47 charge drops to £41 if paid by direct debit, according to its website.

In these cases, a monthly fee would be £35.25 for an adult carer under the discount fee pilot, while direct debit would be £30.75.

Other standard membership rates are charged depending on whether someone qualifies for a concession rate or is a young person between 16 and 22.

Mid Devon Leisure has three centres; Culm Valley in Cullompton, Exe Valley in Tiverton and Lords Meadow in Crediton.

The pilot will also include drop-in sessions with care ambassadors aimed at providing social activities for carers and to help them get to know others.

The move was agreed at Mid Devon District Council’s cabinet this week and followed a six-month pilot in 2022 that provided unpaid carers with free access to leisure facilities.

That trial saw 242 people enrol, but in spite of the interest, there was no financial support forthcoming from other organisations, such as the NHS or county council, to help it continue.

The council said carers provide an estimated £2.3 billion nationally in unpaid care annually, and many face some financial hardship or health issues.

Cllr Josh Wright (Liberal Democrat, Silverton), cabinet member for service delivery and continuous improvement, said unpaid carers provided an “essential role in their communities.

“They provide invaluable support to family, friends and loved ones who require care due to age, illness or disability, and their contribution saves billions annually in social care,” he said.

“But they face financial strain, social isolation and challenges in maintaining physical and mental wellbeing.”

He continued: “We hope to enhance the health and quality of life for carers in Mid Devon and it builds on our previous trial.”

Cllr Jane Lock (Liberal Democrat, Canonsleigh) also cheered the move.

“It’s worth reminding people that this council already provides free access [to leisure facilities] to care leavers too, so we really are looking after the most vulnerable people in the best way we can, and I fully support this trial,” she said.

“Hopefully it will encourage more people, particularly young people, to come forward and register as young carers to take advantage of this scheme.

“I hope it is a great success and that we can formalise it after the trial.”