Carer Shelly Robinson says owning a Blue Sky Social Care Card is ‘priceless’.
Carer Shelly Robinson says owning a Blue Sky Social Care Card is ‘priceless’.
The 44-year-old independent support worker and PA, hangs the card from a lanyard round her neck and says it makes her feel official and valued wherever she goes.
She said: “I am a member of the National Association of Care and Support Workers, which is a professional body that advocates and provides a platform for care and support workers, but wearing the Blue Sky Social Care Card allows people to really see me for who I am – and that’s a carer.”
Shelly, who lives in Northampton, has six clients and says her work varies from taking people to hospital appointments and the supermarket, to providing companion care for elderly people.
She said: “The best thing that happened recently was getting discount for travel insurance after I booked a holiday to the Dominican Republic with my family.
“I didn’t know whether to mention the Blue Sky Social Care Card before I made the payment, but I am really glad that I did. I was able to save around 15 per cent from the initial quote and I was happy about it.
“After the holiday to the Caribbean, I booked another trip and got discount off that one as well. Then, the other day, I booked a short break in the UK as a holiday park, and the booking agent accepted the card again!
“I don’t honestly know how much money I’ve saved over the last two years, but it has been really good. The Blue Sky Social Care Card has been priceless.”
Since saving money, Shelly has been telling her carer colleagues about the card and one friend has already signed up. She says she has also been talking to her brother-in-law about the card as he is disabled.
She said: “I think every carer should carry the card because it really could save you money. To be honest, I think it is time for social care staff to get the recognition they deserve and carrying the card definitely makes you feel proud of the work you do.”
Shelly has renewed her card for a second time and is extremely grateful to Blue Sky Brokers (BSB) – a division of Disability Direct. The Blue Sky Social Care Card costs just £5 a year and acts as an Employee ID card – certified by your employer and our team. It is also available to unpaid carers, volunteers and other people within the social care sector.
Shelly said: “Honestly, the card has been brilliant and as an independent support worker, I could not be more grateful.
“Carrying a Blue Sky Social Care Card makes me feel recognised as working in social care – and that means everything to me.”
Written by Wendy Roberts