Help and Advice
Help and Advice
Below you will find lots of useful help and advice plus links to help.
If you require advice or help you can send us a message via our contact page, call direct on 07852 6543210 or meet us at Eldon Square Leisure.
Older People
The age you qualify for free bus passes is changing in line with national changes to the state pension age.
To find out when you can get a concessionary travel pass and how you can apply visit Nexus: Concessionary travel for older people
Disabled Adults
If you live in Tyne and Wear, you can travel on buses for free if your disability qualifies you for a concessionary travel pass.
To see if you could make your journeys cost free and to apply for a pass visit Nexus: Concessionary travel for disabled adults.
Metro Gold Card
A Metro Gold card will give you a year’s travel on the Metro, Shields Ferry and Northern Rail between Sunderland and Newcastle for £12 if you live in Tyne and Wear.
You’ll need to have a concessionary travel pass and you will be able to travel at the same times as your pass is valid.
For more information see Nexus: Metro Gold Card
Companion card
If you need to take someone with you for bus travel, they can travel for free if you have a Companion card.
A Companion card is the same as a concessionary travel pass and it is in your name.
It carries an additional symbol on it that tells drivers and inspectors that whoever is with you for a particular journey does not have to pay a fare providing the trip is made in the hours that it applies.
This may be useful for unpaid carers.
You are eligible for a Companion card if you receive any of the following benefits:
- higher rate care component of the Disability Living Allowance
- high rate Attendance Allowance
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP) providing your decision letter shows you scored a minimum eight points in the Communicating Verbally and Planning or Following a Journey sections
To find out more and apply, visit Nexus: Companion Card
Travel costs for health appointments
The NHS will refund you reasonable travel costs for health appointments if you meet certain financial and health criteria. Fares for you carer may also be met in the right circumstances.
For more information, visit NHS: Help with travel costs
What is a Blue Badge?
A Blue Badge gives you certain on-street parking concessions. If you’re a Blue Badge holder travelling either as a driver or passenger, you can park for free in disabled parking bays and may be exempt from other parking restrictions. You can use your Blue Badge with any car, including taxis. Concessions usually include:
- free parking at parking meters and Pay and Display bays
- parking on some single or double yellow lines for up to three hours unless there is a ‘no loading’ restriction (you have to display the clock that comes with the badge where time limits apply).
For more information about getting a Blue Badge read this article.
You can’t use your Blue Badge everywhere. Check where you can park on Gov.uk.
If you are diagnosed with a Brain Tumour you must inform the DVSA immediately.
For a full list of health conditions that you must disclose please read this article.
For more information please read the following articles below:
If you are affected by, or are living with, a brain tumour or brain cancer, you may be entitled to certain financial benefits.
The benefits you are entitled to will depend on your circumstances. You may be able to claim more than one type of benefit e.g. Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
For more information about Financial Support please read the article below.
You Are Not Alone
Local Support Near You
Our support group meet at Eldon Square Leisure, Grey’s Quarter, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Tyne and Wear, NE1 7XY.
The fourth Wednesday of the month at 11 am.