How to Get and Use Your Free Carer ID Card

Being recognised as an unpaid Carer can make daily life easier, but many Carers in Dorset tell us this is still a challenge. In our survey, only 28.5% of Carers agreed they feel recognised and respected. Carers attending our focus group said they wanted to be recognised as an expert, while many said they wanted clearer proof of their caring role.

That’s why our Carer ID Card is so important. It’s a free, simple way to show you’re a Carer – whether at work, school, healthcare appointments, or out and about.

What is the Carer ID Card?
The Carer Friendly ID Card is available as both a physical card and a digital version on your mobile phone. It displays your photo, just like a driving licence, so you can easily prove your caring status.


Benefits of Having a Carer ID Card

  • Verification of Your Caring Role
    Show that you are a Carer in workplaces, colleges, or healthcare settings – whether you are in paid work, a Young Adult Carer, or supporting medical discussions.
  • Security
    Carrying a card means you don’t need to bring sensitive paperwork with you.
  • Confidentiality
    Quickly prove your caring status without having to explain your situation in front of the person you care for.
  • Peace of Mind
    Your card includes In Case of Emergency (ICE) contact details, giving reassurance that the person that you provide care for will be supported if something happens to you.
  • Exclusive Discounts & Offers
    You’ll get access to our Wellbeing Directory, discounts across Dorset (see below), and hundreds of online savings through Discounts for Carers.


Where Can I Use My Carer ID Card?

Our Carer ID Card can be used in a variety of situations to effectively explain your caring responsibilities and the impact that this role has on your life.  Your card can be used to:

  • Explain lateness at work, as you may have to wait for paid carers to arrive
  • Show employers why you need flexibility or, explain the need to take urgent caring phone calls
  • Collect prescriptions from pharmacies
  • Validate your role and provide valuable input to medical staff and social workers
  • Access events, attractions, and discounts across Dorset and beyond.

During the pandemic, Carers used their ID card to legitimately travel outside of their area and access priority shopping hours to support the person they care for as a key worker.

Local Discounts and Free Entry

As of November 2025, Carer ID Cardholders can access a wide range of discounts and free entry across Dorset, including:

  • Free entry if you are with the person that you care for: Flip out Poole, Dorchester Arts Parkinson’s Class, Brownsea Island National Trust, Verwood Hub Cinema and Events, Athelhampton House and Gardens. (Some of these attractions require documentation for the person that you care for so check ahead).
  • Free entry to Sports and Leisure Centres, if you are with the person that you care for: Ferndown Leisure Centre, Blandford Leisure Centre, Weymouth swimming Pool and Fitness Centre, 1610 Dorchester Sports Centre. Registration sometimes needed.
  • Flip out Poole, Dorchester Arts Parkinson’s Class, Brownsea Island National Trust, Verwood Hub Cinema and Events, Athelhampton House and Gardens. (Some of these attractions require documentation for the person that you care for so check ahead).
  • Discounts: BH Live- Your Carers Card is accepted for the BH Live Access Scheme. 12-month membership-payable monthly or Pay as You Go Classes. (All at reduced prices). Natural Skin by Lynne (Complimentary Pamper Sessions), Caroline Anne Psychotherapy (25% discount), Wildway Bushcraft (20%), Horrocks & Webb (10%), The Old Piggery (10% discount on plants).

See the full and regularly updated list in our Wellbeing Directory, just type in Dorset with a 20-mile radius in the search filter.

Carers’ Voices

Here’s what some Carers told us about their card:

  • “My Carer’s Card allowed me to see my Dad in hospital outside visiting times.”
  • “I use it for free entry to attractions – it saves carrying lots of paperwork.”
  • “It was great to receive a digital card for immediate use whilst waiting for the physical card to arrive.”
  • “I was able to persuade hospital staff to let me stay overnight on a Z bed with my Mom because I could prove I was her Carer.”
  • “A Blue Light cardholder, got a discount in a shop so I asked if I could too with my carers card and I got it!” 
  • “Ordered a card for my daughter that cares for me and her Grandmother with parkinsons. So useful for her just to have the identification especially if out and about for supporting at events etc.”
  • “I find Discount for Carers a great support package. I use them for travelling and to book hotels, I also use them for discounts on meals out.”
  • “Found the card very useful for gaining access to hospital and Care Home during Covid restrictions.”

How to Apply

The Carer Friendly ID Card is provided by Forward Carers and is available for FREE to unpaid Carers who newly register with either BCP Carers Support (BCP Council residents) or Help & Care, (for Dorset Council residents from 24th November 2025). The card is also available for existing registered Carers who need to renew an expired card. The card is fully funded by Dorset Council and BCP Council to make life better for unpaid Carers.

This is the official Carers ID Card for Dorset. The Carer Friendly ID Card is available to you if you are an unpaid Carer:

  • AND you have recently registered with BCP Carers Support (BCP Council residents), or Help & Care (Dorset Council residents from 24th November 2025).
  • OR, if you have an existing ID Card that has expired, or  you have received a letter or email from your Carer service confirming you are eligible for a new Carer Friendly ID Card

If you have any questions, please contact BCP Carers Support or Help & Care (from 24th November 2025) for more information.

If you live in Bournemouth, Christchurch or Poole, register with BCP Carers Support here or call 01202 128787. If you are caring for someone living in Dorset Council area, register with Help & Care here or call 0300 111 3303 from 24th November 2025.

Help Us Grow Carer Friendly Communities

  • Tried your card somewhere new? Let us know at info@forwardcarers.org.uk so we can approach them to officially join and offer a discount.
  • Know a local business keen to help? Ask them to sign up to our free Carer Friendly scheme.
  • Want to do more? Spread the word and encourage more businesses and services to provide offers.

Your Carer ID Card is more than just proof – it’s recognition, support, and peace of mind.