The symbol for an essential companion/s is the +1 or the +2 symbol. The following is taken from the Access card website:

This symbol is awarded to people for whom it would be significantly difficult to access services without support from another person.

You must be able to show that the support you need is substantial, significant or frequent, and directly related to your needs as a disabled person, and that without extra support you would receive a lesser service.

It may mean an essential companion ticket, or it may mean a provider will offer additional support from their own staff.

The support needed must exceed what could be reasonably expected of family/friends already accompanying you and must be due to disability-related needs.

For children, we do not question that your child may need a certain amount of support when out and about, but we are unlikely to award the +1 symbol where they would already be in direct supervision and guidance by a parent or other family member.

We will require an Access card with the Assistance Dog symbol for anyone those who do require an assistance dog to attend Thursford.

As we do not accept support animals at Thursford, if you need ‘support’ please apply for an essential companion via the Access Card.

For more information please follow the link: knowledge.accesscard.online

Don’t worry, for 2025 Thursford will also have its own Digital Access card specifically to use at Thursford only. As this digital card is free, price will not be a barrier; all you have to do is click on the link on our website to apply and select the Thursford only option, complete the form and attach the necessary documents. The Access card team will check the details as they will for the charged card and if you fulfil the eligibility criteria, they will issue you with a digital card for use at Thursford only.

To book an essential companion ticket you will need to be in receipt of an Access card with the +1 or +2 symbol.

In explanation, please see the information above ‘What is the +1 symbol’  and also that given on the Access Card website, copied here for ease:

https://knowledge.accesscard.online/faqs/are-there-age-limits-to-the-card

For children, and young children especially; the +1 can only be considered where the needs are outside of the range of what can be expected of parental responsibility – even if this means that your child needs more support or supervision than another child of similar age.

The decision to add +1 is not based on care needs, but on the disadvantage imposed by charging additional fees for a carer to attend. At events where you would be attending with your child as part of the family group, you will be charged as a fee-paying parent just like all other family groups enjoying an event.

The +1 can only be considered where the support you require results in the cost of a carer ticket being an unreasonable barrier to your being able to attend.

Remember – this is not about whether your child needs care and support but whether the cost of a ticket for the person providing that care and support should be waived as a reasonable adjustment.

Customers should still apply for an Access card as they are likely to receive a +1 symbol and the Assistance Dog symbol.

It should not take any longer than 10 days (normally the team issue a card within 7 working days)

All the information you need is available on the website: https://www.accesscard.online/

And for their Frequently Asked Questions: https://knowledge.accesscard.online/faqs  (access from the Apply page and click on Got A Question)

The NIMBUS team will need you to describe your condition/s in detail and to attach evidence in support of your condition and the symbol that you are applying for.

When applying the website takes you though each symbol, provides the detail behind its purpose and what will be acceptable or not. You will be required to provide documentary evidence in support and this may be Doctor’s letter or Hospital forms, Benefits, certifications etc.

The following is taken from the Access card website: https://knowledge.accesscard.online/faqs/what-types-of-evidence-or-supporting-information-can-be-taken-into-account

• Any supporting evidence you can provide such as;
  • Confirmation of Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, or Attendance Allowance
    • This must be recent and clearly show the name and address of the recipient
    • This must clearly show the rates of Mobility and Personal Care / Daily Living components you have been awarded
    • We cannot take into account Covid Extension letters, ESA, UC, Blue Badges, Appointment Letters or Christmas Bonus letters
  • A letter from a medical professional aware of your needs
    • This must be recent and clearly state the diagnosis and impact of your conditions described in your application.
    • It must be on surgery/official headed paper.
    • Confirmation of diagnosis alone for conditions with variable impact may not be enough to process your application
  • We may be able to take a variety of other documents into account such as occupational health reports, care plans, OT assessments.
    • If you would like to discuss what other information we can take into account on your application please let us know

If you do not have any of the above to hand and would like to receive a form from us for completion please submit an application and we can discuss this directly with you.

The forms we have for completion are only used as a last resort for those who do not have any other relevant supporting documentation, as it is very common that medical professionals will charge you to have these completed.

You can also phone Nimbus on 0330 808 5108 and they will be able to help you.

• Applicants will not receive a card
• Instead, they will receive a confirmation email with an access registration number which can be used to book accessible tickets at Thursford.
• This information digital card is not valid for use with any other provider or venue.
• Nimbus Access can upgrade your digital access card to a full Access card if you wish which is £15 for 3 years.

This can be used as proof of access requirements at thousands of events, venues and attractions across the UK. Should you wish to upgrade please complete this short form or contact the team on 0330 808 5108.

When you’re linking your Access Card or 3rd party registration number it’s vital that the details you enter are EXACTLY the same as you entered on the application form.

The system works by checking 3 different fields to validate your details and confirm your access requirements.

These are:

• First Name
• Surname
• Card / registration Number

Any types or spelling mistakes or using a different name (i.e. Matthew on the application form and entering Matt when linking) will show your card as not valid.

The number is the confirmation number you received after your application was confirmed and the number can be found in both the subject of your confirmation email and in the body of the text.

This is a different number from the one related to confirming receipt of your application.

https://accesscard.hiverkb.com/policies-on-symbol-allocation

Please note the link includes Evidence notes for each symbol for when applying for the card.

The symbol meanings: https://www.accesscard.online/how-it-works/

On the front of your Access Card, there are 9 spaces to display symbols used to highlight the barriers you face and the reasonable adjustments you might need. Here’s a description of each one of the symbols:

1. Standing and queuing  (3 people)
   • For people who find standing and or queuing a substantial barrier to accessing services.
   • This may include people who physically cannot stand or queue for any significant amount of time, or people that have an issue with understanding the concept of queuing.
2. Level access  (Wheelchair on a slope)
   • For people who require wheelchair accessible facilities or have to have level access as they are unable to make even a few steps.
   • We do not add the standing and queuing symbol for wheelchair users as if a queue is accessible this should present no problems. If a queue is not accessible then this will be addressed by each venue as an adjustment related to the need for level access.
3. Distance  (Person with <50m)
   • If you have difficulty moving yourself more than short distances this is the symbol for you. We have no strict definition of what distances are involved as it will be for you to discuss this with providers, who will let you know how they can meet your needs. We do however need to see information that confirms you have a medical condition that has a significant impact on the distance you can move.
4. Urgent Toilet Needs (WC)
   • All Access Card holders have access to accessible toilets.
   • For people with continence issues, we have the W.C. Symbol. Providers on board are made aware that this means urgent access to any toilet without question. This might be an accessible toilet, it might not.
5. Assistance Dogs (Dog on lead)
   • Our Assistance Dog Symbol is awarded once we receive official documentation stating the dog has gone through training to be able to support you at events and venues/other unusual environments/circumstances.
   • This is unlikely to include emotional support animals. If you require an emotional support animal, we recommend you take advantage of the support provided by an essential companion which may covered by our +1 symbol.
6. Essential Companions (+1)
   • This symbol is awarded to people for whom it would be significantly difficult to access services without support from another person.
   • You must be able to show that the support you need is substantial, significant or frequent, and directly related to your needs as a disabled person, and that without extra support you would receive a lesser service.
   • It may mean an essential companion ticket, or it may mean a provider will offer additional support from their own staff.
   • The support needed must exceed what could be reasonably expected of family/friends already accompanying you, and must be due to disability-related needs.
   • For children, we do not question that your child may need a certain amount of support when out and about, but we are unlikely to award the +1 symbol where they would already be in direct supervision and guidance by a parent or other family member.
7. Visual information (6 Dots over 3 rows deceasing in size)
   • For people who find accessing visual information a barrier.
   • This may include people with visual impairments who require alternative formats or guidance.
8. Audible Information (Ear with fingers)
   • For people who have difficulty accessing or processing audible information.
   • It may be relevant to deaf people or those with hearing impairments.
9. Miscellaneous (!)
   • This category is for everything thing else, and providers are encouraged to seek more information directly from you about how they might be able to support any needs not covered by the other symbols.
   • For example, photo-sensitive epilepsy.
   • This symbol will trigger a provider to ask for specific information from you about how you will access their service.

THURSFORD COLLECTION

Equality and Diversity Policy

The Thursford Collection is dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture amongst the whole workforce. It is within our best interest to promote diversity and eliminate discrimination in the workplace.

Our aim is to ensure that all employees and job applicants are given equal opportunity and that our organisation is representative of all sections of society. Each employee will be respected and valued and able to give their best as a result.

This policy reinforces our commitment to providing equality and fairness to all in our employment and not provide less favourable facilities or treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, national origin, religion or belief, or sex and sexual orientation. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination.

All employees, no matter whether they are part-time, full-time, or temporary, will be treated fairly and with respect. When the Thursford Collection selects candidates for employment, promotion, training, or any other benefit, it will be on the basis of their aptitude and ability.

All employees will be given help and encouragement to develop their full potential and utilise their unique talents. Therefore, the skills and resources of our organisation will be fully utilised and we will maximise the efficiency of our whole workforce.

Our commitments:

• To create an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all team members are recognised and valued.
• To create a working environment that promotes dignity and respect for every employee.
• To not tolerate any form of intimidation, bullying, or harassment, and to discipline those that breach this policy.
• To make training, development, and progression opportunities available to all staff.
• To promote equality in the workplace, which the Thursford Collection believes is good management practice and makes sound business sense.
• To encourage anyone who feels they have been subject to discrimination to raise their concerns so we can apply corrective measures.
• To encourage employees to treat everyone with dignity and respect.
• To regularly review all our employment practices and procedures so that fairness is maintained at all times.

The Thursford Collection will inform all employees that an equality and diversity policy is in operation and that they are obligated to comply with its requirements and promote fairness in the workplace.

The policy will also be drawn to the attention of the Trustees, funding agencies, stakeholders, customers, learners, and job applicants.

The Thursford Collection equality and diversity policy is fully supported by senior management.