If often seems like care work provides very little reward. That’s not how we see it. Yes, we’re conscious that our NHS counterparts appear to have greater recognition for their work, but we are campaigning to put adult social care on an equal footing.

The good news is that some organisations are beginning to acknowledge the incredible contribution we make to so many who need looking after outside the hospital setting.

For example, did you know when you become a social care worker, you’ll be eligible to apply for a Blue Light Card?

Blue Light Cards are available to workers in a number of sectors and some volunteer organisations.

The card offers cardholders discounts across many retailers, restaurants and entertainment providers, saving you money for purchases on and offline.

To apply, you sign up on their website and you’ll receive a card that you can show when you go shopping. It costs £4.99 and is valid for two years.

Places you can use your card for money off include: Starbucks, Odeon, Cineworld, New Look, Alton Towers, Hotpoint and many more.

Lots of retailers have added their name to the card since the COVID-19 pandemic, so there are even more offers to take advantage of, including ASOS, Nasty Gal and Pizza Hut plus increased discounts from existing partners: Footasylum, MyProtein, Dell and boohooMAN.

The card can even save you money on holidays and insurance, so it’s worth checking out if you’re currently working in social care and not yet onboard.

See what extra savings you can make with a Blue Light Card: https://www.bluelightcard.co.uk/bluelightcardnewsdetails.php?id=113

We hope many more will follow suit in offering social care workers support for the great work they do in our communities and for our loved ones.

Do you have a Blue Light Card, and how’s it helped you? Let us know on Twitter: @livhomecareprov.