Access Cards

Would you like to visit an attraction, such as a theme park, but don’t feel that this is achievable due to your porphyria? Access Cards offer increased accessibility to thousands of UK attractions, venues, and events for individuals facing challenges due to disabilities, including porphyria.

What is an Access Card? 

An Access Card is available for anyone who meets the criteria for being a disabled person, as defined by the Equality Act. For anyone who’s life is impacted by EPP, or an acute porphyria (that has a substantial and long-term impact on them), it is likely that they will be eligible for an Access Card!

The card, valid for three years at a cost of £15, clearly communicates access requirements and the barriers you face with personalised symbols, such as the need for a companion or an inability to stand in queues. You may have other health/access needs that can be identified and reflected by some of the other symbols. It contains your photograph and is effectively a disability passport that informs providers of your needs quickly and discretely.

Applying for an Access Card – what do you need?

Ideally, you should provide as much evidence as possible when applying for the Card, so have all of this ready before you start the application. You are likely to need: 

  • Photo ID or (for a child/young person) a photo and birth certificate  
  • Proof of address 
  • A letter from your specialist or doctor confirming your diagnosis (such as EPP or acute porphyria) hopefully with some information about the impact that your condition has on you 
  • Any other evidence such as Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independent Payments (PIP) and why this has been provided 
  • You will need to provide brief explanations* for why you feel you need each of the symbols on the Access Card  
  • A supporting letter from the BPA* 

Please contact the BPA on helpline@porphyria.org.uk if you would like a supporting letter and some sample explanations/standard responses that may be helpful for your submission.

The BPA can help with information/evidence and we can even support you completing the application if needed. The BPA can also help to cover the cost of the Access Card, for anyone needing additional support. Just reach out to us at helpline@porphyria.org.uk.