Need to be able to offer constructive encouragement

[Deleted User]

A close relative of ours has recently applied for and been given a blue badge card on the grounds of being determined Disabled due to long term depression & agitation. In fact he's only been out the house to corner shop in about two years. Now that he has this card, he and we are unsure "what next?". Will he be able to apply for a bus pass to encourage him to go out, if so,does it apply for Railcard also. We're thinking of encouraging to go out. Should have said, prior to all this he was a primary school teacher of about 12 yrs.  We've been wondering if the allocation of this blue badge card might be of use elsewhere.  Ideally we'd like to be able to offer information leading to encouragement as we're sure he might be ready to venture out. He's constantly in zoom calls to psychiatrist etc and in long term medication. Non driver now.

Spoonie_Turtle

Copter said:

A close relative of ours has recently applied for and been given a blue badge card on the grounds of being determined Disabled due to long term depression & agitation. In fact he's only been out the house to corner shop in about two years. Now that he has this card, he and we are unsure "what next?". Will he be able to apply for a bus pass to encourage him to go out, if so,does it apply for Railcard also. We're thinking of encouraging to go out. Should have said, prior to all this he was a primary school teacher of about 12 yrs.  We've been wondering if the allocation of this blue badge card might be of use elsewhere.  Ideally we'd like to be able to offer information leading to encouragement as we're sure he might be ready to venture out. He's constantly in zoom calls to psychiatrist etc and in long term medication. Non driver now.

Eligibility for the railcard is here https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/are-you-eligible/

However if he doesn't receive PIP (only has the BB) it may be worth e-mailing and explaining the situation, asking if because of his mobility difficulties he would still be eligible.  I got my railcard for a hearing impairment (not hearing loss, so I didn't/don't have the evidence they specify) and e-mailed - honestly I just e-mailed to complain that it was unfair I didn't qualify as there is nothing that can help my hearing, and they replied saying it did count.  Thus was years ago so they may be stricter now, I don't know, I just renew mine and they don't ask for new evidence.  A Blue Badge is usually effectively the same as scoring at least 8 points for the Moving Around activity for PIP, which would entitle someone to a standard mobility award, so it's worth an ask.  If course if he gets PIP then he qualifies for a railcard anyway.

You would have to look up his local council's criteria for a bus pass as it varies between councils; some include a BB in their criteria and others don't.