HYNT FAQs

Note: Many of the further information that the answers to these questions apply will be available with the launch of the website after the 26 March 2015:

Contents

HYNT FAQs

ABOUT HYNT

THE HYNT CARD

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

BOOKING TICKETS

ABOUT HYNT

What is the purpose of the Hynt?

Hynt is a new initiative working with theatres and arts centres in Wales to create a clear and consistent offer for audiences in need of support from an assistant or carer.

THE HYNT CARD will entitle cardholders to a ticket free of charge for personal assistants or carers to be used across participating theatres and venues in Wales.

THE HYNT WEBSITE will be the place to go for access information. We will provide an up to date and simple website with information about performances and access guides for all Hynt venues.

Have you consulted your customers about Hynt?

Yes. Openness and transparency are really important to us. Hynt is peer-led and we have worked with Disabled People, Third Sector Organisations and theatres and arts centres to develop and create Hynt.

Is Hynt regulated / endorsed / approved by any Access organisations?

Hynt is a peer led initiative. At the start of the project we met with a wide range of people and organisations. We worked with disabled people to create the eligibility criteria so that Hynt is as fair, transparent and credible as possible.

Creu Cymru is working in partnership with Diverse Cymru and following organisations have also supported and contributed to Hynt:

  • Disability Arts Cymru
  • Disability Wales
  • Action on Hearing loss
  • Cartrefi
  • MIND Cymru
  • Alzheimers Society
  • Swansea Association for Independent Living
  • Contact A Family Wales

Are you the only arts organisation who runs this kind of scheme?

Hynt is the only National Access Scheme that we know of. There are other schemes such as the Cinema Exhibitors Association Card Scheme which is designed for cinemas but the criteria and application process is different. There are also other types of card available like the CredAbility card which identifies access requirements but does not guarantee the cardholder any type of discount or a ticket free of charge for their carer.

Why aren’t all theatres and arts centres signed up to the scheme?

Hynt has members all across Wales and we are working hard to grow the number of participating theatres and arts centres. It is the choice of individual venues whether or not they sign up to the scheme.

My local theatre used to run its own access scheme why the change in policy?

There are a number of existing local access schemes that have been developed by theatres and arts centres over the last few years.

We know that having lots of different schemes at different venues can be confusing and time consuming for customers. Create a single scheme with one application form and a consistent offer of a ticket free of charge for a Carer or Personal Assistant should make it easier for audiences.

What about my personal information?

Hynt is a network of theatres and arts centres across Wales. So that you can use your card in any Hynt venue they all need to know which customers are Hynt card holders. For this reason we ask all customers who are part of the Hynt scheme to enable us to share some information such as a full name and contact details.

We do not hold any personal information that customers do not wish to share and we do not hold details of impairments or medical conditions. We take our Data Protection responsibility very seriously and comply with the Data Protection Act.

How can I feedback about my experience of Hynt?

We welcome any feedback or comments, it is important to us that Hynt is peer-led and continues to develop so please do get in touch. Please send your any comments or feedback to Megan Merrett, Projects Administrator via

THE HYNT CARD

What does the Hynt card entitle me to?

All Hynt card holders are entitled to a ticket, free of charge for their Personal Assistant or Carer when attending performances at any of the Hynt theatres or arts centres.

Where can I use my card?

Hynt has a network of participating theatres and arts centres. You can use your card at any of these venues. A full list of these venues will be available on the Hynt website.

Are there any conditions?

Full terms and conditions of the Hynt card will be available on the Hynt website.

What will be on my card?

The Hynt card contains:

  • a photograph of the cardholder
  • the name of the cardholder
  • the card expiry date
  • a unique customer reference number
  • a location notch to aid use by blind or partially sighted cardholders

Whose name and photograph appears on the card?

The card is issued to, and printed with, the name and photograph of the customer, not the person providing assistance. This is because we know that care is given by a variety of people, and may not always be the same person. The accompanying person can be anyone who is able to provide the appropriate care and support so could be a parent, family member, partner, spouse, friend, care worker or someone else.

How many copies of the photograph are needed for each application?

We only need one photograph. The photograph needs to be a good likeness, recent, clear and in focus with nothing obscuring your face, there must also be no tears or creases in the photograph.

If you apply by email we are happy to receive a photograph attached as a jpeg file.

How long will the card be valid for?

The Hynt card is valid for 5 years. When your card is nearing its expiry date you will be prompted to complete a short renewal form, you will not need to reapply.

How much does it cost?

The Hynt card is free. Hynt is funded by the participating theatres and arts centres.

How long will I have to wait for my card?

We will post your card back to you within 7 working days of your application being checked. If there is information missing from your application or if your application is for Arbitration then the process will take a bit longer.

What is done in terms of checking my application?

When we receive your application we need to check:

  • the form is fully completed
  • there is proof of eligibility
  • there is a usable photograph

What measures are in place to guarantee confidentiality?

All information is handled in compliance with the Data Protection Act. You will be able to read the Hynt Privacy Policy at

What should I do if my card is lost, stolen or damaged?

If your card is lost, stolen or damaged then you will need to complete a renewal form. You will be able to do this via the Hynt website at

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Who is eligible?

There are two application routes available for Hynt

You can complete the application form and include evidence that demonstrates you meet the following eligibility criteria:

  • Enhanced and Standard PIP Daily Living Component
  • DLA High and Middle Rate Care Component
  • High and Middle Rate Attendance Allowance
  • Certificate of Visual Impairment
  • War Disablement Pension
  • Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP)
  • Direct Payments
  • Social Services Care Package
  • Continuous Healthcare Package
  • Dual Sensory impairment

Or if you are not automatically eligible you can use Arbitration at

What will I need to prove my eligibility?

You will need to send us some paperwork that confirms that you meet our automatic eligibility criteria. We need to see a copy of one of the following documents:

●A letter from the Department of Work and Pensions that confirms you are in receipt of one of the benefits listed

●A letter from the relevant Local Authority confirming that you are in receipt of Social Services Care Package, Continuing Healthcare Package or registered for Direct Payments

● A Certificate of Visual Impairment

Documents must be sent as a photocopy or scanned via email. Please do not send originals.

Can I send original documents and have them returned to me?

We cannot return original documents so please only send copies of any paperwork.

What happens to the personal documents and data that are used to process the application for a card?

Once your application had been processed your documents and application form will be destroyed and securely disposed of. No copies of documents will be held.

How will you use the information I send you?

We need all Hynt cardholders to share some personal information such as a full name and contact details across the Hynt venues. Without this information the theatres and arts centres won’t know who part of Hynt is and the scheme won’t work effectively. All information is kept on a secure database that is only shared with the Hynt theatres and arts centres.

We do not hold any personal information that you do not wish to share and we do not hold details of impairments or medical conditions.

We take our responsibility as guardians of this information very seriously and comply with the Data Protection Act.

I’m not automatically eligible to a ticket free of charge, even though I have mobility problems, why?

Hynt is based on the level of care customers need to be able to attend a performance.

We know that sometimes mobility can be a barrier to attending and we are working with Hynt venues to help them to better support customers who have mobility challenges.

If you feel that you really do need additional care to be able to attend because of your impairment or specific access requirement then you could also try applying via Arbitration

I used to be eligible for a free ticket under the theatres old scheme why aren’t I eligible under Hynt?

Hynt prioritises people with the highest needs, anyone who is in need of additional support to attend the theatre.

Hynt is peer-led and we have worked with Disabled People, Third Sector organisations and theatres an arts centres to create a fair and equitable criteria. Hynt ensures that those who require the support and assistance of a Carer or Personal Assistant are not faced with the financial barrier of buying an additional ticket in order to be able to attend performances.

We recognise that this may mean that some customers who had previously been entitled to a free or discounted seat under a pre-existing scheme may no longer be automatically eligible. If you feel that you really do need additional care to be able to attend because of your impairment or specific access requirement then you could also try applying via Arbitration

I receive the lower rate DLA does this entitle me to any concessions?

If you receive the lower rate DLA you are not automatically eligible for Hynt.

The majority of theatres and arts centres do offer concessions for disabled customers so reductions may be available for the performance you want to see. Please check the website or ticket information of the individual theatre you are visiting.

How can I appeal a decision?

We know that having automatic eligibility criteria automatically makes any scheme feel exclusive rather than inclusive. If you are not automatically eligible for Hynt but you feel that you really do need additional care to be able to attend because of your impairment or specific access requirement then you could also try applying via Arbitration

Arbitration also acts as an appeals system so if your application is unsuccessful you can ask for your application to be reviewed by Arbitration.

Arbitration is supported by a network of Third Sector Organisations and is monitored and managed by Diverse Cymru. You will be able to find out more about Arbitration on the Hynt website at

BOOKING TICKETS

I want to see a show this evening and I’m not a Hynt card holder yet. What can I do?

Where possible you will need to allow enough time for your application to be processed so you are in possession of your card and unique customer reference number before booking your tickets for the performance.

If you haven’t already applied for Hynt it is up to the manager on duty at the venue to decide if they will offer you a one-off ticket free of charge. This is a one-time only offer and cannot be repeated. You will need to give the theatre your contact details and you will be expected to apply to Hynt in order to access a ticket, free of charge, for any future performances at any participating venues.

My mum is disabled and would be entitled to a ticket, free of charge, but I am not her official carer. Would I be allowed to book her tickets?

Yes, membership of the scheme entitles the disabled person to a ticket, free of charge for their carer or personal assistant, whoever that may be. We know that care is provided in a variety of different ways both formal and informal. We do not require the disabled customer to have a single named carer.

You will need to give the unique reference number on booking and be in possession of the card when you collect your tickets.

Social groups

Theatres and arts centres have different policies regarding social groups. Information about booking as a group will be available at

Generally speaking if you are making a social group booking then each disabled customer within that group will need to have their own Hynt card for them to be able to claim their ticket, free of charge for a Personal Assistant / Carer.

If you have any further questions, comments or queries please get in touch: