Discounts for thousands of unpaid carers

Bury Council is drawing up plans for a Carers Discount Card which would give thousands of residents money off at local businesses and attractions.

Some 22 companies have already agreed to take part in the scheme, including DW Fitness Centre who will offer a 10% discount for carers to help them improve their health and wellbeing.

The council hopes to launch the discount card before the end of the year, and is urging local firms to get in touch now and sign up for the scheme.

There are 19,954 unpaid carers in Bury according to the 2011 Census, which is 11% of the local population.

Councillor Rishi Shori, cabinet member for adult care, health and housing, said: “Carers are the unsung heroes in our community, yet they often suffer ill health and struggle financially due to their caring commitments.

“We’re trying to help by setting up this discount card scheme, and I’m confident that many local companies will join us. With nearly 20,000 unpaid carers in Bury, it could prove very good for business!”

Local businesses who would like to take part in the scheme should contact Alistair Mirfin, carers senior development worker, on 0161 253 6110.

ENDS

Press release issued: 5 June 2013.

Picture attached: Welcoming DW Fitness Centre to the carers discount scheme are (from left) Alistair Mirfin, Cllr Rishi Shori, and DW manager Ben Hughes.