When Forward Carers took on stewardship of Max Card in April, we committed not only to maintaining and growing the scheme, but also to strengthening the evidence that demonstrates its value. 

Max Card is the UK’s leading discount card for families of children with additional needs, young Carers, and children in care. It helps reduce the cost of visiting attractions, leisure facilities and other participating venues. 

Over the past three months we’ve been working with local distributors, welcoming new venues, and reviewing how we can better understand and articulate the difference Max Card makes. 

As a local distributor ourselves before taking on stewardship, we supported thousands of families to access a Max Card. We know from our work, then, that the card is highly valued and often one of the first services people ask about.  

While those conversations give us confidence in the difference the scheme makes, we wanted to move beyond anecdotal feedback and better evidence its impact on family life and wellbeing. 

As part of our wider commitment to listening to Carers and families, we invited 500 randomly selected Max Card holders to complete a short survey about their experiences of using Max Card. 

The responses provided valuable insight into how it is being used and the difference it makes. 

The findings highlight that the value of Max Card extends beyond financial savings alone, supporting family experiences and positive wellbeing.

Family Experiences

The survey shows that Max Card helps families do more together. 

Among families actively using their card: 

• 90% spent more quality time together.  

• 82% went out more often.  

• Around four in five visited places they would not otherwise have accessed.  

• 82% reported stronger family relationships.  

Reducing the cost of days out enables families to enjoy more shared experiences and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. 

Wellbeing

There were also extremely positive responses regarding MAX Card’s impact on wellbeing.  

93% of respondents reported a positive impact on their wellbeing.

This highlights the wider value that affordable experiences can bring to families and communities across the UK. 

Financial Savings

The financial benefits are equally clear.

Families using their Max Card estimated average savings of £104.71 over the two-year life of the card. 

Overall, more than 7 out of 10 respondents rated Max Card as valuable to their families. 

One of the first ways we’ve used this insight is to develop the new Max Card Impact & Value Calculator. 

Based on the survey findings, the calculator estimates that every £1 invested in Max Cards generates £23.93 in direct savings for families.

This is alongside wider benefits for family experiences, wellbeing and local economies. 

The calculator enables local authorities and organisations to estimate the impact of purchasing Max Cards for families in their area, including: 

• estimated family savings  

• family experiences  

• wellbeing outcomes 

• additional local economic spending associated with increased visits  

By presenting these measures separately, purchasers are provided with a clear picture of the different ways Max Card creates value for families and communities.

This helps inform investment decisions and demonstrate the impact of the scheme locally. 

Listening, Learning and Improving

Listening to Carers and families is central to how we develop and improve our services. 

This survey has helped us better understand and articulate the value of Max Card, moving beyond anecdotal feedback to provide quantitative evidence of its impact for families across the UK.  

Perhaps the most significant insight from the survey is that the value of Max Card extends well beyond financial savings.  

By making leisure activities more affordable, it creates opportunities to spend time together, build shared experiences, and strengthen relationships. 

Reducing barriers to everyday activities contribute to stronger family connections, greater participation in community, and positive wellbeing.

We’ll continue gathering feedback so that the voices of those using Max Card continue to shape its future.

Throughout the process, we’ll report back so respondents know how we’ve used their feedback.  

Our future steps include working with our partners to ensure that families who receive their Max Card have the information they need to maximise the benefits. 

Explore the Max Card Impact & Value Calculator 

Whether you’re an existing distributor reviewing your provision or an organisation considering introducing Max Card, the Max Card Impact & Value Calculator provides an evidence-based estimate of the impact your investment could have for families in your area. 

Explore the calculator to see the difference Max Card could make in your community.