Blue Light Card, the nation’s leading discount provider for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces, announced today that it is welcoming the homelessness workforce into its community.
Today’s announcement is the result of a new partnership between Blue Light Card and Homewards, a five-year programme created by Prince William and The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales which aims to demonstrate that it’s possible to end homelessness as well as to change perceptions around the issue.
They have worked with the 4 membership bodies across the UK – Homeless Network Scotland, Cymorth Cymru (Wales), Homeless Connect (Northern Ireland) and Homeless Link (England) to support the homelessness workforce deliver in local communities.
Frontline colleagues are often the first point of contact for people facing the worst crisis of their lives. But working in those roles is increasingly more pressurised because of the housing emergency and cost-of-living crisis.
New research by St Martin-in-the-Fields charity shows that over half (52%) of those working in the sector sometimes struggle to pay their bills or housing costs (44%). Nearly one in two (47%) have spent their own money on work related costs and 51% said that they always or often feel at risk of burnout and a further 29% said they sometimes feel this way.
Access to Blue Light Card will provide practical ways for the homelessness workforce to save money and improve their own wellbeing, from discounts on everyday essentials like groceries and utilities, to coffees and meals out with friends and family after a long day at work.
Alidad Moghaddam, Chief Executive Officer at Blue Light Card said “This workforce may not be as easily identifiable as uniformed blue light workers like nurses, doctors, police, or firefighters, but we see them. ‘Blue Light’ symbolises service, sacrifice, and societal impact – values which are shared by the homelessness workforce who often put the needs of others before their own.
“Preventing and ending homelessness can only be achieved with the continued dedication of these very special people, and the impact they have is why they are so deserving of an offer that’s dedicated to them. If we can play even a small part to support their health and wellbeing and show how much we value and appreciate them, we will do that.”
Pim Gregory, Executive Director of Homelessness, The Royal Foundation commented: ‘Homelessness is a complex, multifaceted issue and as such the homelessness workforce includes a huge variety of roles. They work tirelessly to support some of society’s most vulnerable – from those rough sleeping, people ‘sofa surfing’ or sleeping in their cars, to families and children stuck in unsuitable temporary accommodation. It is essential we recognise and support the vital role the homelessness workforce plays in our society and we’re so grateful to the Blue Light Card for their support on this and commitment to Homewards going forward as an Activator.”
Gaining membership to the Blue Light Card for access to market-leading discounts and rewards is quick and easy. Full time and part time employees of organisations that work directly on homelessness across the UK are eligible. Register online at www.bluelightcard.co.uk. A card costs £4.99 and is valid for two years.
Don’t miss out!
In Scotland, members of Homeless Network Scotland will enjoy a simple sign-up process for accessing the scheme, with those organisations on a pre-approved list that you’ll find during the sign-up process. If you’re not yet a member of Homeless Network Scotland, it’s simple and quick to join to receive this benefit and many others – join here.
But rest assured, frontline staff working in homelessness can still access the Blue Light Card without being subscribed to the national membership bodies with some verification and ID checks during the sign-up process – please see below.
Visit: Blue Light Card – Discounts and rewards for the homelessness workforce.
Click Join Now and proceed to sign up.
Choose Social Care – Homelessness at the ‘your service’ drop down box.
Select ‘Your employer’ (the organisation you are employed by*).
Enter your personal details.
You’ll receive a verification email at the provided address. Follow the instructions to complete your registration. You will need to click the link in the verification email to activate your account
Log in to your online account and go to ‘My card’
Pay a £4.99 fee to gain 2 years access to Blue Light Card
* If you are not on the list of approved organisations, you will be asked to verify your employment by either providing proof of employment (see the list of accepted IDs in the FAQs link below) or a work email address.
For more details about eligibility please visit the Blue Light Card FAQs page.
If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please email:contact@bluelightcard.co.uk