Planning a day out with a carer or companion

Begin with what the person wants from the day

An outing is more than a series of care tasks. Talk about what would make it worthwhile: meeting a friend, seeing a performance, spending time outdoors or trying something new. Agree on the parts of the day that matter most, and leave room for preferences to change.

Discuss how decisions will be made during the outing. The person receiving support should remain involved in conversations with staff and providers. Ask how they prefer assistance to be offered, including situations where they would like more privacy or independence.

Agree on the practical roles

• Travel: who checks the route, books transport and keeps the confirmations?
• Tickets: who arranges admission and any companion ticket?
• Personal items: who brings what, including chargers, communication aids or other essentials?
• Communication: how will you check in about comfort, energy levels or a change of plan?
• Breaks: where could you pause, and how flexible is the schedule?
• Return: what is the plan if you want or need to leave earlier?

Keep the information proportionate

Share what the companion needs to provide agreed support, using a format both of you can use. Avoid circulating personal records when a practical instruction or preference is enough. If a paid service is involved, clarify its responsibilities and procedures directly with the provider.

If there are individual health or safety arrangements, follow the plan agreed with the relevant professionals. An editorial checklist cannot replace a personalised plan or training. Make sure the companion understands the support they have agreed to provide and when they should seek appropriate help.

Check the venue together

Use the venue accessibility checklist to discuss arrival, facilities and the activity itself. A photograph or written confirmation can help both of you visualise the route. If one person makes the booking, share the useful details so they are not held in only one place.

A Companion Card can help with admission at participating venues, but it does not organise or fund the person providing support. Confirm the card’s use with the venue and any separate support arrangement with the relevant provider. Our card guide explains the ticketing conversation.

Make space for a change of mind

Agree that changing plans is possible. You might shorten an activity, take a longer break or choose an alternative. Discuss how to communicate this without making someone feel that they have disrupted the day. A flexible plan can be more useful than trying to predict every detail.

Afterwards, ask what worked and what could be easier next time. Keep useful venue details with the date checked, and remove information you no longer need. If you are in a caring role and want broader support information, Carer Gateway is an official starting point.