One of the best things about fostering is being able to make memories with your fostering family. From days out to trips further afield, we know that family life can get expensive - especially in the school holidays!
Foster carers working with Bradford Fostering receive access to a wide range of discounts in the Bradford area and beyond to help our foster carers create lasting, fun memories with the children in your care. Take a look at some of the discounts you could receive as a foster carer:
Max Card
The Max Card is a discount card provided to Bradford foster families. You can use your card to get discounted or even free admissions to lots of attractions and venues across the UK.
As of April 2022, some of the great, discounted, family friendly days out near Bradford include:
Eureka! is a great interactive and educational day out for the whole family. Eureka! hosts over 400 interactive exhibits to provide a hands-on experience to help children learn about the world around them. As a Max Card holder, you will receive free admission for one adult and one child, just present your card on arrival.
Funzy Inflatable theme park can be found at the Leisure Exchange in Bradford city centre, it’s easily accessible by train, bus or on foot. The park is designed for children of all ages and ability levels so it’s a great day out rain or shine.
Grasshoppers at Tong Garden Centre. A valid Max Card will grant you 50% off admission for a maximum of 2 children. There’s lots of activities to get involved in including zooming down the zip wire, bouncing on the giant pillow or building castles in the giant sand pit - there’s plenty to keep all ages entertained.
Guiseley Music Centre. The Max Card enables Children in Care and their siblings to join one Music Centre class for a year without charge.
You can see a full list of eligible attractions here.
“One thing that makes us proud to be foster carers is seeing a child/young person try to do something for the first time and go on to build confidence and feel proud of themselves” - Ashley and Mark, foster carers
Blue Light Card
Did you know foster carers are now eligible to receive a Blue Light Card? The Blue Light Card provides great discounts on national retailers and events as well as local businesses to people working in the NHS, emergency services, armed forces and social care sectors.
To apply for your Blue Light Card, you will need to make a payment of £4.99 and have a valid foster carer ID or payslip (if you are a current foster carer, please speak to your Supervising Social Worker). Once approved, you will receive a card in the post as well as online membership to the scheme, which you can use to receive discounts on your purchases. You may also wish to download the Blue Light Card app for your phone.
Find out more about where you can use your Blue Light Card here.
“As respite carers, we have our weekends planned for the children we care for. We try to do things that involve us all. Every situation and child is different. Listen to the child you are caring for, involve yourself in their conversation. Take note of their favourite things to do, films they like to watch or foods they like to eat. Make the time you have with the child fun for everyone” - Hazel and Michelle
The Fostering Network Membership
Bradford Fostering pays for all of our carers to receive membership to The Fostering Network, the UK’s leading fostering charity. The Fostering Network provides support for foster carers whilst working with fostering providers across the UK to develop best practices.
As a member of The Fostering Network, carers receive access to the stress support service; learning and development opportunities; support to get specialist mortgages,insurance and tax returns; as well as discounts on family holidays, days out, attractions as well as books, games, arts and craft supplies.
Bradford Leisure Card
Foster carers can also get a BLC, which gives you reduced admission costs to Council-run services, such as swimming, using Council gyms, booking Council sports courts and to shows at the Alhambra and St George’s Hall.
Become a foster carer with Bradford Fostering
Are you interested in providing care to a child or young person in the Bradford district? Get in touch with our team to discover how you can make a difference.
