Leaflet 8 - Getting Out and About

Blue Badge Scheme
What is the Blue Badge Scheme?
The Blue Badge Scheme is a national scheme allowing disabled drivers or passengers to park closer to their destination.

Holders of the Badge can park free of charge at on-street parking meters or pay-and-display bays and bays reserved for people with Blue Badges. You can also park on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, except where there is a ban on loading and unloading.

Remember
The Badge can only be used if the person it was issued to is using the car, either as a passenger or driver.

For information on who is eligible to apply,

Contact Gateshead Carers Association
(See Section 13 - Caring contacts)

How to apply
Contact Gateshead Council's Disabled Parking Badge department for an application form and details of the evidence you may be asked to provide.

Contact Disabled Parking Badges
Tel 0191 433 2432

Wheelchair Loan
For permanent use of a wheelchair, see Section 5 - Health.

Temporary loan
If the person you care for is resident in Gateshead and needs the temporary loan of a wheelchair for medical reasons, the Loan Equipment Department of Gateshead Health can provide them with a chair for up to six months.

To apply
Contact the GP, Health Visitor or District Nurse.

Occasional loan
Several places will loan or hire out wheelchairs if they are needed for occasional use.

The British Red Cross lends manual wheelchairs to individuals on a short-term basis, for up to three months. There is no charge for this service but donations are appreciated. They can also loan commodes, back rests and bed cradles.

Contact British Red Cross (Northumbria)
(See Section 13 - Caring contacts)

Ross Care and Shopmobility provide a free loan service if the wheelchair is used in Sunderland City Centre. Wheelchairs can be hired out for use at home. There will be a charge for this service.

Contact Ross Care and Shopmobility, Unit 111 The Bridges Shopping Centre, Sunderland, SR1 3LB.
Tel 0808 1414 266

Visitors to the Metro Centre can borrow a manual wheelchair (£5 returnable deposit) whilst shopping in the Centre.

Contact Metro Centre Information Desk for details
Tel 0191 460 5299
Fax 0191 460 7935
Gateshead Carers Association has one manual wheelchair which can be borrowed, free of charge, for a short time.

Contact Gateshead Carers Association
(See Section 13 - Caring Contacts)

RADAR Key
Throughout the country there are wheelchair-accessible toilets with a special lock on them. The National Key Scheme (NKS) offers independent access to public toilets for disabled people. They can be opened using a RADAR Key. Keys are available from Disability Gateshead. You can call in and collect one, or a key can be sent in the post.

Any charges?
The RADAR Key costs £2.50 (or £2.88 if you want it to be posted to you)

How to apply
Contact Disability Gateshead
(See Section 13 - Caring contacts)

Shopmobility
What is Shopmobility?
Shopmobility is a scheme that lends manual and powered wheelchairs and powered scooters to members of the public who have limited mobility. Some schemes, including Newcastle, can provide an escort for people who have a sensory impairment.

Gateshead Shopmobility
Gateshead Shopmobility is based at Units 1-2 Gateshead Shopping Centre (first floor of the indoor market).

Membership of Gateshead Shopmobility
Annual membership is £3. Equipment is then hired for a small charge.

Contact Gateshead Shopmobility
Tel 0191 477 9888
(See Section 13 - Caring contacts)

Newcastle Shopmobility
Newcastle Shopmobility is based in Eldon Garden Shopping Centre on Percy Street. The adjoining Eldon Garden multi-storey car park has spaces dedicated to Shopmobility users on Level 4. Open 9.30am - 5pm Monday to Saturday.

How do I use Newcastle Shopmobility?
You can either become a member by contacting Newcastle Shopmobility at the address below or you can use the scheme on an occasional basis. Equipment must be booked in advance.

Any charges?
The annual membership fee is £12.50. For this you will receive free use of all equipment and free parking when using their equipment. Non-members are charged £2 for 3 hours.

Contact Newcastle Shopmobility, PO Box 706, Newcastle. NE99 1NZ
Tel 0191 261 6176
Fax 0191 261 6179
Minicom 0191 261 6183

Motability
Motability is a charity set up to help disabled people get around.

Through the Contract Hire Scheme, a disabled person can lease a brand new car, fully insured, serviced and maintained with road rescue services included, by transferring their Disability Living Allowance mobility component to Motability.

At the end of three years, the person can either give the car back and lease a new one or buy the car at a discounted price. There may be an additional deposit to pay on some models of car.

Alternatively, under the Hire Purchase Scheme, Motability can arrange for the person to buy an outdoor electric wheelchair, a good used car or a new car.

Who can apply?
Anyone who gets the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (including children from the age of three) or receives a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement can apply to Motability.

The person being cared for does not have to be a driver to get a Motability car - their carer, a friend, relative or personal assistant can drive the car.

How to apply
Contact Motability, Goodman House, Station Approach, Harlow, Essex. CM20 2ET
Customer Information Services
Tel 01279 635 666
Fax 01279 632 000

A number of local garages, usually displaying a Motability logo, advertise that they will supply cars under the scheme. They can help with Motability applications.

Any charges?
The services of Motability are free. There may be an initial deposit to pay on some lease cars. Motability can advise on any grants which may be available to help with adaptation costs.

Concessionary Travel
If the person you care for is a resident of Gateshead and is disabled (with a physical, sensory or speech impairment), has a learning difficulty or is of pensionable age, they may be entitled to a concessionary travel card.

This entitles them to cheaper travel on local public transport services after 9.00am. The pass can only be used before 9.00am if used for travelling to hospital. The appointment card must be presented along with the pass.

A concessionary pass issued because of disability, may now qualify a person for an unrestricted all-day pass if they work or attend college for more than 15 hours per week and need to travel before 9.00am.

Some disabled people (including those who are registered blind) may qualify for all day concessionary passes.

Although commonly known as a bus pass, the travel card also entitles the person to reduced fares on the Metro, the Shields Ferry, Northern Spirit Rail Services, as well as on most local bus services.

Carers accompanying Nexus Care Services Scheme members can also travel on public transport at the concessionary rate. They must be travelling with the person they care for but they do not need a travel pass of their own.

How to apply
If you, or the person you care for, are of pensionable age you can apply for a concessionary pass through the local Nexus Travel Centre.

If the person you care for is disabled they must apply through their local Community Based Services office.

Any charges?
The travel card entitles the holder to travel for 50p for each single journey. On buses, if half the adult fare is less than 50p, you will be charged the lower fare.

More information
Visit any Travel Centre, or call the Nexus Travel Line
Tel 0870 608 2 608

Concessionary travel for children with a disability
Some disabled children can travel on local public transport at a concessionary rate.

During school times, disabled children can take advantage of free or reduced travel with an Under 16 card. At other times, disabled children are entitled to travel at cheaper rates with a concessionary travel pass.

For eligibility criteria, or to apply for a pass, contact Community Based Services (See Section 13 - Caring contacts)

Special Fares Scheme for the unemployed and people on low income
If you live in Tyne and Wear, you can get a free Special Fares Identity Card which entitles you to buy Off-Peak All Zones Traveltickets at a reduced price. If you are on the New Deal programme you may be able to get further discounted travel. Ask at the JobCentre Plus office for details.

To qualify you need to be:

• Registered as unemployed and available for work, or
• In receipt of one of the following benefits
  - Working Families Tax Credit
  - Incapacity Benefit
  - Severe Disablement Allowance
  - Carers Allowance
  
• A single parent who gets Income Support
  

You may also qualify for Special Fares if you get Income Support only.

Contact Tel 0191 203 3211

Go North East - Easy Access Buses
These buses have a low floor, a single low entrance step and some have a ramp to make life easier if you are pushing a pram or use a wheelchair.

There are special spaces for wheelchairs with headrests so the person you care for can travel in comfort.

For more information and bus timetables

Contact Go North East Customer Call Centre
Tel 0845 60 60 260 (local rate)

Nexus Care Services
Care Bus is a wheelchair and scooter accessible door-to-door minibus service designed for people unable to use conventional public transport. Assistance is supplied when getting on and off the bus.

The service is available every day of the year. The first pick-up is at 8am, the last drop-off is 11pm. It can be used for any local journey you want to make, except taking people to hospital appointments - the Ambulance Service will do this.

The journey is normally booked one day in advance between 9am and 4pm. The only journeys which can be booked well in advance are if you have onward transport connections arranged, for example, you need to catch a train or flight. 48 hours notice must be given and you should call between 1 and 5pm.

Who can apply?
Any Gateshead resident who has extreme difficulty using conventional public transport, either on a permanent or temporary basis. A carer can travel with the person, paying the same concessionary rate. To find out the eligibility criteria

Contact Nexus Care Services
Tel 0191 20 20 500

How to apply
To join the Care Scheme, a registration form must be completed, along with a passport-sized photograph. A 'Care Card' and information sheet about the service will then be issued.

Any charges?
There is no charge for joining Nexus Care Services.
A charge is made for each single journey. A carer/companion will be charged the same. Drivers should not expect a tip!

More information
Further information and registration forms are available from Nexus Care Services.
Tel 0191 20 20 506

UCALL - Demand Responsive Transport
UCALL is a local minibus service that you phone up to book. It does not operate a fixed route like other bus services, but will deviate off the main bus routes to pick up and set down closer to where people live. All buses are wheelchair accessible.

The service is available to Care Service members and the general public. It is currently operating in certain areas of Tyne and Wear.

For more information contact Tel 0191 20 20 620

Exemption from paying Road Tax
The person you care for may be able to apply for an exemption certificate, which means that they do not have to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) (also called Road Tax).

They must receive:

• Disability Living Allowance high rate (mobility component)
  
• War Pension Mobility Supplement
  Or
  
• Have an invalid carriage

For full details

Contact DLA and AA Helpline
Tel 08457 123 456

Tyne Tunnel Exemption Pass
A person who is exempt from paying Road Tax and is in receipt of full invalidity benefit, can apply for a pass which allows them to travel through the Tyne Tunnel free of charge.

For details and an application form:

Contact Tyne Tunnel Exemption Unit, Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority, The Tyne Tunnels, Wallsend. NE28 0PD
Tel 0191 262 4451
Fax 0191 263 1031

British Red Cross - Transport and Escort Service
The Red Cross can provide an occasional door-to-door transport service with help with bags and luggage, drivers with suitable vehicles or escorts where needed. An escort can be provided if the person you care for is using public transport. They provide ambulance transport and can also help plan a difficult or complicated journey.

Who can apply?
The service is available to anyone who finds it difficult to travel. The Red Cross need prior notice of when you wish to use the service.

Any charges?
The cost is calculated on the mileage rate and depends on the vehicle used.

For more information
Contact Service Co-ordinator - Transport and Escort, British Red Cross (Northumbria)
(See Section 13 - Caring contacts)

Transport to Hospital
If, for medical reasons, the person you care for is unable to travel to hospital, their GP or District Nurse may be able to arrange an ambulance. If they are claiming certain benefits, they may be able to get help with costs. Ask at the hospital for more details.

Rail Travel
The Disabled Persons' Railcard gives discounts of up to one third to disabled travellers and a companion on a wide range of standard and cheap rate fares.

How to apply
The Railcard costs £14 and lasts for one year. A pack is available which contains details of eligibility criteria and an application form.

You can get a Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers Pack from Newcastle Central Station or

Contact Disabled Persons' Railcard office, PO Box 1YT, Newcastle upon Tyne. NE99 1YT
Tel 0191 269 0303
Minicom 0191 269 0304

Concessionary fares for disabled people
Disabled people travelling in their own wheelchairs who do not hold a Railcard can get discounts off the standard single (34% off), open return (34% off) and day return fares (50% off) without having a Railcard. The same discount also applies to one person travelling with them.

However, they need a Railcard to receive discounts off any of the cheaper fares available. Wheelchairs are covered free of charge.

People who are registered blind or are partially sighted and who are travelling with a companion can also receive the same discount fares without buying a Railcard.

The person must be registered as disabled with Community Based Services to qualify. To obtain these discounts, a document confirming the disability should be presented, available from Community Based Services, RNIB and so on.

Taxi operators
Gateshead Access Panel holds details of accessible taxis. They can also provide information about the accessibility of local leisure and recreational facilities, for example, pubs, restaurants, swimming pools, leisure centres and community centres.

Contact Gateshead Access Panel
(See Section 13 - Caring contacts)

Gateshead Metro Centre - Services for people with disabilities

• There are more than 300 car parking spaces for disabled people
  
• A wheelchair service operates from the Information Desk, and wide shop entrances and malls give total access to people using wheelchairs
  
• Free Braille maps are also available from the Information Desk and unisex toilets are provided for disabled people.
  
• Guide dogs and dogs for the deaf are welcome

Note All costs contained within this leaflet are correct at the time of printing and may be subject to change.

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