People in Brighton & Hove who care for relatives or friends with disabilities or illnesses can now get free bus travel with The Big Lemon.

It’s the latest initiative to be introduced on the city’s Carers Card, a free card giving carers discounts on dozens of local leisure and other activities.

The Carers Card is a joint initiative between the council, local charity Amaze and the city’s Carers Centre. It gives discounts on lots of local venues, health and fitness facilities and facilities and children’s entertainments – and now public transport.

Brighton resident Alan Cousins, who cares for his mother, said:
“I’m a massive Albion fan, so free transport up to Falmer is great news for me. This is a great gesture by The Big Lemon – money is tight for a lot of us carers and every little helps.”

The Managing Director of The Big Lemon, Tom Druitt, said:
“I used to be a carer in Brighton and I know how difficult and expensive it can be when you need to travel around town a lot to carry out your work. I hope this helps, not only for the sake of the carers but also, of course, for those they care for.”

The Big Lemon joined the scheme as a result of a meeting with Cllr Andrew Whealls (Conservative Councillor for Central Hove), who had been lobbied by a constituent, Pat Constable, urging him to promote the Carer’s Card scheme. Pat said afterwards, “A big Thank You to The Big Lemon Bus Company for showing they care for those who Care!”

Visit http://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/carers-card to find out more about the Carers Card scheme.

If you care for someone who is over 18 phone the council’s adult social care access point on 01272 295555 or email accesspoint@brighton-hove.gov.uk

If you care for someone who is under 18 phone the council’s integrated child development and disability team on 01273 295153

For details of bus services on which you can use your Carers Card, please visit our Public Bus Services section