Essential Companion Scheme

Essential Companion

Free tickets for those who need someone with them to assist with mobility or guidance.

We want to make sure everyone can participate and enjoy Derby LIVE events equally. Through our Essential Companion Scheme we provide free tickets to those who need someone to be with them in order to come to an event. You can join the scheme as an individual or an organisation.

What is an Essential Companion?

An Essential Companion is someone who can assist a customer with mobility or guidance, and ensures their safety and enjoyment of Derby LIVE events.

The scheme is not open to or intended for customers who simply want someone to go with them, or just need assistance with transportation to Derby LIVE venues.

The Essential Companion commitment

The Essential Companion must make the following commitment:

  • to familiarise themselves with Derby LIVE venues and the location of services and facilities contained within them
  • to be available at all times to assist the customer during their visit
  • to speak to Derby LIVE staff if the customer has complex needs and to receive advice about means of escape issues

How to apply

If you have difficulty completing the form or would like more information about the scheme, please contact Laura Olding, Assistant Manager-Culture:

Email boxoffice@derby.gov.uk

Telephone 01332 255800

Type-Talk 18001 01332 255800

SMS: 07812 300 373

Terms and Conditions

Essential Companion tickets are available for many, but not all events. 

Applications can take up to 4 weeks to process.  No refunds can be made for tickets bought before this application has been approved.  We cannot hold tickets for you whilst you are waiting for an application to be approved. Additional information may be required to consider your application.

You will need to reapply every 12 months.

If your application is refused you can ask for the decision to be looked at again by a panel of council staff who work on disabled people’s issues. The panel will also be consulted about hard to decide applications.

How to book

Once your application has been approved you will be able to book tickets online or through our Box Office, over the phone or in person. As long as Essential Companion tickets are available for the event you are booking for, one ticket will automatically be discounted to free.

How to book on behalf of someone

Login into your account using the login box below.

If you have been linked to an account you will then be asked to choose who you are booking on behalf for. 

  • If no names appear please contact the box office on 01332 255800 option 1 to have your account linked to the customer that requires an Essential Companion.

Select the name of the person who requires an Essential Companion that you are booking on behalf of.

Once selected proceed with your booking as normal by visiting the what's on page and choosing the event like you normally would, the essential companion discount will then apply at the basket screen.