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.
As part of Blue Light Card’s ongoing commitment to social care, which is now one of its largest member groups, the discount offer will recognise and support the estimated 60,000 people in the UK homelessness workforce, which includes housing officers, night shelter managers, outreach workers and many more.
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, making it rare, brief and unrepeated, as well as to change perceptions around the issue.
As part of this partnership, Blue Light Card has become an Activator of the Homewards programme, joining the Homewards Partnership alongside the likes of recognised brands including Pret A Manger and Homebase. Blue Light Card’s substantial commitment through their extension of their offer to the homelessness sector is a strong example of the support organisations can give to play their part in ending and preventing homelessness.
Working with Homewards, and the homelessness membership bodies from across the four nations, this new benefit aims to raise much needed awareness of the sector and its vital work. By welcoming the sector to Blue Light Card’s community, it is acknowledging the essential service they provide by working tirelessly every day, going above and beyond, in a challenging environment, to prevent homelessness and ensure that people have a safe place to call home.
Despite their dedication and commitment, too often the homelessness workforce finds themselves under pressure from the cost of living. In a survey of frontline workers in the homelessness sector released today by St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, over half (52%) of those working within 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.
This newly announced partnership with Homewards aims to also highlight the wide variety of roles and expertise required to prevent and end homelessness and the essential link between this workforce and many other essential workers and receivers of the Blue Light Card.
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.
“Bringing those who work in the homelessness sector into our blue light community is an extension of our ongoing commitment to social care. Our members collectively help to build and sustain healthy communities throughout the UK.
“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.”
Katie Dalton, Director, Cymorth Cymru said:
“We are absolutely delighted that homelessness and housing support workers in Wales are being recognised for their incredible work and can now access a range of exclusive experiences, discounts and rewards through the Blue Light Card.
“At a time when many frontline workers are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, we hope that today’s announcement will provide a valuable helping hand. But most importantly, this is recognition of the critical, complex and challenging work they undertake, which often goes unseen, but transforms tens of thousands of people’s lives every year.”
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.
