Barr and Patton welcome new leisure membership discount for veterans and emergency service workers

Waiting on the chinook for extraction… Alan Barr serving with the Intelligence Corps in Afghanistan

Tuesday, 4 August 2026

Military veterans, armed forces personnel, and frontline emergency service workers across Mid and East Antrim will now be able to access discounted memberships at the borough’s leisure centres under a new council scheme aimed at recognising their service.

Eligible veterans as well as those currently serving, PSNI officers and staff, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service personnel, Health and Social Care employees and Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff will be able to join under the Council’s Corporate Membership rate of £25 per month, instead of the standard £29.80 monthly fee.

The scheme follows a proposal developed over recent months through engagement between Braid Ulster Unionist councillor Alan Barr and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council officers.

Both Ulster Unionist Party’s Councillor Barr and Braid representative Samantha Patton, who are military veterans, said they wanted to see the Council’s commitment to veterans reflected in practical support rather than symbolic gestures.

Ulster Unionist Party Braid Councillor Alan Barr, and UUP constituency representative Samantha Patton

Recognition through practical support

Councillor Alan Barr said the initiative builds on Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s renewal of the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2025.

“This is a very welcome decision and one I am proud to support. When Mid and East Antrim Borough Council renewed the Armed Forces Covenant in February 2025, I made the case that our commitment to veterans had to go beyond words. It had to result in practical action that genuinely improves people’s lives.

“Over the past number of months I have held a series of constructive meetings with Council officers to help bring this proposal to fruition, and I want to thank them for the positive way they engaged throughout the process.”

Alan serving in Afghanistan during his time with the Intelligence Corps

Councillor Alan Barr continued:

“Today’s decision recognises the enormous contribution made by veterans and emergency service personnel while helping to improve both physical and mental wellbeing. Many veterans continue to live with the long-term effects of military service, and access to affordable leisure facilities can play an important role in maintaining both physical fitness and mental resilience.

“Mid and East Antrim has a proud military heritage. Generation after generation of local men and women have answered the call to serve in our Armed Forces, defending the freedoms and values that we cherish today.

“As a Council, we should never be afraid to recognise that service in a meaningful way. This initiative proves we can do more than simply pay tribute—we can deliver practical support.”

Who is eligible?

The discounted membership is available to:

• Military veterans

• Armed forces personnel

• PSNI officers and staff

• Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service personnel

• Health and Social Care employees

• Northern Ireland Ambulance Service staff

Applicants must provide proof of employment or veteran status when registering for membership. All personal information supplied during the verification process will be treated confidentially, used only to confirm eligibility and processed in line with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Encouraging healthier communities

Samantha Patton said the initiative recognises the ongoing contribution made by both veterans and frontline workers.

“As veterans ourselves, Alan and I understand the lifelong bond created through military service and the importance of staying physically and mentally healthy after leaving the Armed Forces.

“The same principle applies to our police officers, firefighters, paramedics and health service staff, who continue to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the public every single day. Their commitment deserves practical recognition, not just warm words.

“The Ulster Unionist Party has always believed that those who serve their community and their country should be respected, valued and properly supported. We believe in rewarding responsibility, honouring service and standing up for the people who keep our communities safe. This new membership scheme is a practical example of those values being put into action.

“Too often society is quick to take for granted the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces veterans and emergency service personnel. This sends a clear message that Mid and East Antrim values their service and is prepared to back that up with real support.”

The new membership rate is intended to encourage greater participation in sport and physical activity while providing a financial benefit to veterans and frontline workers who live or work across the borough.