Dear LPG,

I just wonder how many people find themselves in a similar position to me.  As I am getting older I am finding getting around quite difficult and I am not sure that things will get any better.  The thought of not being able to get out at all really worries me and I would like to keep my independence and ability to see beyond the walls of my house for as long as possible.  I think that one answer, for me, would be a blue badge; because I have a few friends and there are some family members that would be able to help me to get out occasionally if I had one in spite of the fact that I don’t actually drive myself. 

We have all heard about how difficult they are to get and I know that many people don’t even try these days but the difference it would make makes at least taking a look at the rules something that perhaps could change your whole outlook on life. 

From what my friends have told me, Dial a Ride is notoriously renowned for getting you where you want to go late and, I have also heard that taxi cars are not a lot better and can become quite expensive.   I also think that, once your ability to get a bus or take a walk down the road becomes seriously limited, your freedom to meet and talk to others or make your own purchases in a shop, in spite of friends willing to help can be seriously curtailed.  A blue badge would help because it would mean that the driver of a car would have more options to leave the vehicle and help me get where I want to go, and it cannot be fair for anyone to be forced to spend life behind their front door when there could be other options open to them.

Before anything else I thought a look at what the internet has to offer on the subject worth looking at, and having found the information, I would like to share it because, if nothing else, it must be worth reading through before making your own decision that you have no chance.

So for people who do have serious problems getting out of the house or those that care for them, can I suggest that a little internet research might be the way forward.  I have asked LPG to leave you some of the information I have found. 

It is also worth noting that the criteria changed in August this year so that people with ‘hidden disabilities’ can apply. 

YM, New Cross

YM asked LPG to share the following links…

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