For Emma and Jack, the Compass e-newsletter has been vitally important for years. “When Jack was young, it was the highlight of my week. Knowing what was on offer and getting ideas was invaluable”, says Emma.
Now Jack goes out more with his PAs, but the newsletter still provides plenty of inspiration. “It tells us things we don’t know about and if there’s a Compass Card offer and you have to abandon the idea, you haven’t wasted as much money. You feel you can trust a place more if there’s an offer in place. And there’s safety in numbers – if it’s in the newsletter, you may see other people you know there too. I think we’ve done tons more than we would have done without the Compass Card.”
Emma’s also hooked on the Compass Card app and the offers page on the Compass Card website. “When I want to check out offers, I search the app and I love browsing round the website. I’ve been doing some research for the summer holidays – Jack will be with his PA during the week, but we’ll be planning family outings at the weekend.”
Emma loves a bit of ‘Compass Card blagging’ where she shows the card at places where there isn’t an official offer. “You’ve got to be charming and assertive, but it works – organisations often want to be inclusive and they’ll give you their disability discount.”
She lists the family’s favourite offers. “The cinema’s huge in our lives, so The Odeon and The Duke of York’s and the Duke’s at Komedia in Brighton. Sea Life was a big favourite when Jack was little. Swimming is great and we go to the pools at King Alfred in Hove and Prince Regent in Brighton. And we’ve always loved the theatre offers, especially at the Theatre Royal and The Dome”
Emma particularly recommends Brighton Kayak Experience with Rob Leatham. “Rob’s amazing with the kids. The fearlessness and confidence he instills in them is just brilliant.”
This summer, Emma’s checking out Loxwood Joust on 5/6 and 12/13 August where there’s a Compass Card offer in place, as well as Compass Card festival offers like Core Fest on 29 July in Walberton. She’s also interested in Chichester Harbour Conservancy which is providing discounts on the Solar Heritage catarmaran. “There’s so much to do, I might have to cancel our holiday!” she jokes.