Council agrees to leisure centre carers discount

Mid Devon councillors have agreed to offer an annual discount to carers at leisure centres.

Mid Devon Leisure said the pilot scheme, beginning in May, would also provide free access for carers under 18 years old.

The scheme was agreed at a council meeting on Tuesday and followed a six-month pilot in 2022 which provided unpaid carers with free access to leisure facilities, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The company has three centres at Culm Valley, in Cullompton, Exe Valley, in Tiverton, and Lords Meadow, in Crediton.

Councillors said the trial saw 242 people enrol, however there was "no financial support" forthcoming from other organisations, such as the NHS or the county council, to help it continue.

The authority said carers provided an estimated £2.3bn nationally in unpaid care annually, and many faced "financial hardship or health issues".

Mid Devon Leisure said the pilot would also include drop-in sessions with care ambassadors aimed at providing social activities for carers and to help them get to know others.

Councillor Josh Wright, cabinet member for service delivery and continuous improvement, said carers provided "invaluable support" to loved ones.

"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.

"We hope to enhance the health and quality of life for carers in mid Devon and it builds on our previous trial."

Councillor Jane Lock 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."

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