Sunday, 4 March 2007

Applying for a Blue Badge

Your local authority is responsible for issuing Blue Badge parking permits - contact them for more information.

http://www.kent.gov.uk/SocialCare/disability/parking/blue-badge.htm - Kent County Council Website link for applying for a Blue Badge.

Hints

Remember when applying for DLA and the Blue Badge to state the worst case scenario in terms for your ability to walk. We all have good and bad days, and it's on those bad days that you won't be able to walk far. For example, when I have each round of Chemo, I am unable to walk more than a few feet for the 1st week due to the sickness. Equally after my major operation I was unable to walk for 2 weeks. I'm not advocating that you stretch the truth but merely highlight the worse conditions you may be under.

Free Congestion Charging in London for Blue Badge Holders

I was given a form by an Ellenor Nurse for a Blue Badge Form. Once I had applied and received my Blue Badge I was able to apply for FREE London Congestion Charging.

Blue Badge holders qualify for a 100 per cent exemption from the congestion charge but you must register with Transport for London (TfL), before travelling. An application form is available from TfL.
Telephone: 0845 900 1234

http://www.cclondon.com/downloads/DisabledPeople.pdf - direct link to application form for FREE London Congestion Charging (you can register up to 2 cars at any time!)

Free Gym Membership

If you are or have been diagnosed with cancer you can apply for FREE gym membership at at Cascades/Cygnet Gyms. There is normally a £10 administration fee but even this waved! You don't even need to provide a photo.

I have applied and received my gym membership within 3 weeks. Absolutely fantastic!

Address: Cascades Leisure Centre, Thong Lane, Gravesend, Kent, DA12 4LG
Telephone: 01474 33 74 71 or 01474 33 74 72

Address: Cygnet Leisure Centre, Old Perry Street, Northfleet, Kent, DA11 8BU
Telephone: 01474 33 74 84 or 01474 33 74 85

Address: Swanscombe Leisure Centre, Craylands Lane, Swanscombe, DA10 0LP
Telephone: 01322 386362

Discount Rail Travel

It costs £14 for a year and entitles you to 1/3 off railtravel, AND 25% off many hotel chain's room ratesapply here:- http//www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk

Buy 1 Get 1 Free Cinema Tickets

To apply for the card, you will need to meet one or more of the following criteria:
a) Be in receipt of the disability living allowance (DLA) or attendance allowance.
b) Be a registered blind person.

The card is valid for 3 years from the date of issue
There is a 5 pound administration fee
Please check that your local cinemas support the card

http://www.ceacard.co.uk/ - for more information
http://www.ceacard.co.uk/cea_application_form.doc - application form direct link