Get the benefit of a CitizenCard!

Young people in Southend are being urged to sign up for a special card which helps them prove their age AND gives them access to a fantastic range of discounts to boot.

The CitizenCard provides an alternative proof of identity for students who are not old enough to obtain a provisional driving licence.

It also enables the holder to claim discounts from local and national businesses, including five per cent off at Marks and Spencer and up to 40 per cent off at Alton Towers and Thorpe Park.

The card normally costs £15 but is being offered free to young people in Southend who apply for it through their schools.

The fantastic deal was negotiated with CitizenCard by Southend Youth Council, in partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council.

A CitizenCard provides official ID and proof-of-age for anyone resident in Britain and Ireland and is accredited by the Government’s Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS).

It is approved by Trading Standards, the police, shops, pubs, local authorities, schools, MPs and a whole range of other organisations.

The card comes in four different age bands – under 16, 16/17, 18plus and 21plus.

The free CitizenCard scheme came about after Southend Youth Council ran a successful pilot scheme at Southend High School for Boys which prompted 100 pupils to sign up.

A presentation on the CitizenCard was later given to head teachers in the town and application forms were distributed to schools, shops and restaurants across the borough.

Young people should ask for an application form at their school, but can use forms obtained elsewhere as long as they hand them in to the appointed CitizenCard referee at their school.

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, Councillor Mark Flewitt, said: “Congratulations to Southend Youth Council for highlighting this issue and for enabling our young people to obtain the CitizenCard for free.

“Not only is it a very useful way to prove age and identity it also brings a host of very beneficial discounts.”

Southend Youth Mayor Jake Inwood said: “At our 2010/2011 Youth Council elections, young people identified the proof of age card as one of the topics they wanted us to pursue.

“We acted on this, and as a result have been able to save young people the usual £15 fee if they apply through their school – as well as the subsequent discounts the card will entitle them to.

“We would encourage as many people as possible to take up this opportunity.”

Further details about CitizenCard can be obtained by visiting http://www.citizencard.com/