Omniplex, Ireland’s largest cinema chain, has partnered with The Carers Association to provide complementary cinema tickets to its members. The new initiative, which is the first of its kind, is aimed at helping those that are being cared for to be able to attend the cinema. Previously both the cared for and carer would each have to buy a cinema ticket. Now with the presentation of The Carers Association membership card, also known as a ‘CI Card’, the carer is entitled to a free cinema ticket when accompanying the person they care for.
The Carers Association are a national voluntary organisation for carers in the family home. Family carers provide high levels of care to a range of people including frail older people, those with disabilities, the terminally ill and children with special needs. These people cannot attend a cinema alone and require their carer to accompany them. In recognising the needs that carers attend to and their important role in providing care, Omniplex will now allow them free access to their cinemas in the Republic of Ireland when they accompany someone they care for.
Omniplex’s Operations’ Director, Mark Anderson, says: [quote]People who require full-time care have as much right to enjoy a day out to the cinema as everyone else; they should not be financially penalised just because they have no other option than to bring a carer with them to tend to their needs. We hope this new offer will be a great success and bring some much-needed enjoyment to those that otherwise would not be able to afford to do so.[/quote]
This offers applies to any film screening on Monday to Thursday every week, excluding bank holidays. The Carers Association card will be accepted at all the 9 cinemas that Omniplex operates in the Republic of Ireland. For a full list of cinemas please go to www.omniplex.ie.
It costs €25 for a five year membership to The Carers Association. A membership card can be obtained from the Carers Association via this online form http://www.carersireland.com/membership_applications.php?p=paypal or by calling Karen Phelan on 051-394567.