Freedom Card
The Freedom Card scheme is funded through Durham County Council and continues to be valued by children, young people and foster carers. The aim of the scheme is to encourage and support children and young people to access community leisure, sports and cultural activities.
Freedom Card entitlement:
- All looked after children and young people who are the legal responsibility of Durham County Council up to their 18th birthday
- Foster carers registered and paid for by Durham County Council along with their birth children up to their 18th birthday
- Children and young people in the care of an Independent Fostering Agency (who are the legal responsibility of Durham County Council)
- Care leavers up to the age of 18
You can download the full guidance below which also includes the current venues that accept the freedom card.
You can download the forms below to apply for a Family, Young Person, IFA or Children’s Home freedom card:
Family Freedom Card
Young Person 14+
IFA
Children's Home
Care Leavers 18+
Once a care leaver turns 18, their Young Person’s Advisor (YPA) can provide a letter to Durham County Council’s Leisure Centre(s) confirming their care leaver status. Care leavers can then receive a pass for that Leisure Centre.
Investing in Children Membership Award™
This national award gives organisations recognition for actively including children and young people in dialogue that results in change. It involves hearing directly from children and young people about how they have a voice and contribute to changes. In June 2024 the Freedom Card scheme gained the award. You can read the evaluation report below. If you would like to find out more about the award visit the Investing in Children website
