Carer Getactiveabc Card Pilot Scheme

Lord Mayor Greenfield Announces Extension to SHSCT Adult Learning Disability Carers’ Get Active Card 

Newly elected Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Paul Greenfield announces extension to eligibility and duration of the Carers’ Get Active Card Pilot Scheme.

Led by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, and Southern Health and Social Care Trust, the collaborative initiative offers a 20% discount to normal membership fees across all nine council leisure facilities for eligible caregivers – providing access to the gym, swimming pools and classes in all centres.

The pilot scheme has been extended to include trust registered carers of children with learning disabilities – which is in addition to trust registered carers of adults with learning disabilities – and now remains open to the end of August 2022.

“It is fantastic to see the Carers’ Get Active Card Pilot Scheme rolled out even further among local caregivers in the borough,” commented Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Paul Greenfield.

“Being a primary carer for someone with a learning difficulty can be an incredibly rewarding experience but also a very demanding and stressful commitment, therefore it’s vitally important for anyone in this position to look after themselves and their own health and wellbeing.

“We hope through our reduced membership scheme, we can encourage local caregivers to take the time out to destress, recharge and reap the many positive health benefits our leisure facilities have to offer.”

Chief Executive of Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Dr Maria O’Kane said:

“This is an excellent example of collaborative working between the trust and ABC Council to provide some assistance for carers to access much needed leisure facilities. Parents and carers across the trust provide a crucial role in caring for children and adults with complex needs and they may require support to continue this role.”

The Carers’ Get Active Card Pilot Scheme is open to any ABC borough carer of an adult or child who uses Southern Trust Learning Disability and Fostering services. The Pilot Scheme will undergo a full review by council and the trust after 31 August 2022.

In addition, as part of Learning Disability Week [Mon 20 – Fri 24 June], getactiveabc is running a ‘Carers Hour’ for those interested in availing of a Carer Membership through the partnership.  A free ‘come and try’ gym and swim session is being offered from 9.30am – 10.30am [Mon – Fri] in a leisure centre of choice.

Those wishing to avail of this free session can come along with their Carer Card [issued by the Children’s disability or adult learning disability teams.  Non-geatctiveabc members will sign up and complete an online gym induction.

Lena Canavan  Southern Health and Social Services Trust Head of Special Services commented

“We would like to encourage all Carers within adult and childrens Learning disability services to avail of the opportunities on offer during Learning Disability week to become involved in this scheme and discover other ways to engage in ongoing activities by contacting Adult Learning Disability Carers Consultants.”

To register for the scheme, carers should contact:

• Bernie Marshall on or 07557819172
• Majella Gorman on or 07557858749
• Mark Irwin on or 07825988697
• Portadown & Family Placement Team 02837 560750