MID Devon’s new-look leisure service, Active Mid Devon, is introducing fee reductions to unpaid carers who use its facilities and classes.

The new fees mean adult carers will receive a 25 per cent discount on membership, or a 20 per cent discount on casual sessions, while carers under the age of 18 will be granted free access to Active Mid Devon’s facilities.

The changes come into effect from Thursday, May 1 and will be trialled for a year.

Active Mid Devon is also planning to support the new financial discounts by hosting drop-in sessions with care ambassadors, which we hope will encourage carers to take part in activities, while meeting other carers, and in turn support both their physical and mental health.

Andy Mackie, Operations Manager for Leisure, said: “This extended trial will give unpaid carers the chance to prioritise their physical and mental health, while also providing a supportive environment where they can unwind and remain active and take a much-needed break from their responsibilities.”

In 2022, a six-month pilot provided unpaid carers access to leisure facilities. The trial aimed to support carers’ health while potentially reducing reliance on state-funded social care. Initially it was limited to Adult Carers with a Carers Passport, but the scheme later expanded to all unpaid carers. During this trial 242 people enrolled, including 13 young carers aged 16 to 18 and 16 child carers under 16.

Eligible individuals include those holding a Carers Passport, young carers who possess a Young Carers ID Card issued by the Devon Carers Young Carers service, and parent carers of children who either have a Max Card from Devon County Council (DCC) or can provide evidence of receiving Carers Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

For more information, visit activemiddevon.com.