Discounted membership for carers has been officially introduced across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s getactiveabc leisure facilities.
Following a successful pilot scheme of the getactiveabc carers card, led by the council and the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT), eligible caregivers will receive 20% discount to normal membership fees providing access to gym, swimming pools, classes in all centres, watersports and footgolf at Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre!
Speaking about the initiative, Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Kyle Savage said: “This pilot was extremely well received with carers across the borough. We want to keep momentum going by striving to ensure that access to fitness and leisure facilities remains as affordable as possible.
“Carers play a vital role in keeping vulnerable people safe. It’s a rewarding yet demanding role that places huge pressure on the caregiver and it’s important they get the opportunity to look after their own physical and mental health and wellbeing by getting active.”
The getactiveabc carers card is open to any ABC borough carer of an adult or child who uses the Southern Trust’s Learning Disability and Fostering services.
Roisin O’Hare, Interim Assistant Director Disability Services, SHSCT said: “The Southern Trust is delighted to be part of this scheme with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. This has been a targeted initiative developed by our Adult Learning Disability Carers Consultants and extended to Autism, ID Cahms, Children’s Disability Service and foster carers, enabling a wide range of carers to receive an opportunity to get some respite from their caring role.
“Through partnerships like the getactiveabc carers membership, we aim to provide opportunities for carers to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, recognising their contribution to our community.”
Carers previously signed up to the scheme during the pilot phase will continue to receive the concession rate. To celebrate Carers Week (10-16 June), carers who have not yet signed up for membership have been availing of a special promotion since 1 June until 20 June, which means they don’t pay membership fee until 1 July.
For further information on the getactiveabc carers membership, please email Bernie Marshall or Majella Gorman from the SHSCT
