Solihull Arts Complex

The following policy has created in consultation with an external Disability Consultant in order to ensure that a wide section of those with additional needs are catered for.

We now accept the following where the cardholder needs Carer assistance to attend, and these card details will be registered on their ‘customer data’ held with us, so that Box Office staff can see at a glance that a card is held when taking future bookings.

Solihull Carer’s Card  (www.solihullcarers.org) or any other local authority equivalent are also fine. Registered on customer account and expiry date shown. The Solihull Carer's Trust can be contacted by email at centre@solihullcarers.org or by calling 0121 788 1143.

CEA Card (www.ceacard.co.uk) A national cinema scheme which requires proof of eligibility and Benefit/Allowances (not Blue Badge or employment/Support Allowance benefit). The card has a photograph and is valid for one year from issue. The card allows ONE free carer seat when attending a film, show or similar. Registered as with Carer Card and expiry date shown.

Access Card  (www.accesscard.org.uk) This card has different symbols relating to the needs of the person applying for the card.  E.g. Wheelchair access, Carer Support Required, Visual Impairment etc. The card issuers expect proof of current benefit entitlement, level of need and description of the support needed by a Carer. Needs are checked and the symbol +1 or +2 relates to their being entitled to a Carer Seat(s) and we’ll supply seats as shown on the card.

Disabled ID Card (DID) (www.did-card.co.uk) A national DID card removes the need for individuals to carry their paper documentation and has a photograph. They’re only issued to disabled people who have a proven disability and/or have provided medical evidence. 

Proof of the card Cardholders should register their card on first use with Box Office by scanning/photographing the card and emailing it to thecoretheatre@solihull.gov.uk. You will not need to do this every time you book with us. If you do not register your details, carer seats may be refused, as responsibility is on the Carer to provide it, not the venue to request it.

None of the above? This policy has been revised to allow greater access to a free Carer Seats to those who would be unable to attend with it. It also removes the need for customers to give sensitive information at point of sale.  Where no cards shown above are held, we regret that a Carer seat cannot be automatically issued simply upon request. Customers can however ‘reserve’ seats and apply for a card if time allows – subject to availability of seats.

Blue Badge There are very many reasons why a Blue Badge might be issued relating to parking and access, and there are many Blue Badge holders that do not need any assistance or Carer to attend our events. We therefore do not accept Blue Badge as automatic need for a Carer seat. This is in line with many other venues.

It’s never our intention to upset customers who feel they have a valid reason to request a Carer ticket, but for the reasons above we cannot give free tickets simply upon request. If you wish to discuss our Carer Policy, please email thecoretheatre@solihull.gov.uk or call our Box Office on 0121 704 6962 for further assistance.

Please note that only one Carer ticket can be booked per full price ticket. VIP tickets cannot be booked as Carer tickets.  Carer tickets are not available to book online, and must be booked via our Box Office on 0121 704 6962.