Last Updated: May 1, 2026
On Monday November 18th the UK’s first ID and discount card for carers was officially launched at the Houses of Parliament. The event took place to promote Blue Sky’s new Social Care Card. The card is being rolled out across the country, offering benefits to millions of unpaid and paid carers.
The card is designed to recognise the role both paid and unpaid carers play in the lives of the people they look after and acts as a kind of ID badge in addition to offering perks and discounts.
The event was hosted by Catherine Atkinson, MP for Derby North. The organisation behind the new carers card, Blue Sky Brokers, is based in her constituency. Kate Garraway, host of ITV Good Morning, was in attendance and hailed the card as ‘positive and practical’.
Kate has taken on the role of championing carers, after acting as a carer for her husband who passed away earlier this year. She was one of the first people to be issued the new carer’s card and said, ‘in reality [knowing you aren’t alone in your caring role] doesn’t help you when you’re trying to get access for the things you need, so this card is doing something really positive and practical.’
She continued, ‘I see how this card formally recognises the role of carer. It’s a wonderful thing to honour that role and I see how it is incredibly powerful for carers.’
Representatives from the National Association of Care and Support Workers, workforce development organisation Skills for Care and Derby charity Disability Direct were also in attendance at the launch.
Catherine Atkinson MP, said, ‘It’s an honour to support the launch of the Blue Sky Social Card in Parliament, especially as we celebrate Carers Rights Day this week – a day that shines a light on the immeasurable contributions of our carers. […] This initiative helps those who are helping others, so often unseen, unacknowledged and unappreciated. The contributions of the carers at the event and those who are supporting this initiative were powerful and real.’
In addition to the card, an adjoining smart phone app was launched. It is now being recognised by employers, retailers and restaurants across the country as identification of one’s caring status.
Raj Johal, managing director of the Blue Sky Social Care Card, said, ‘It’s very clear what a huge difference this card will make to the millions of professional and unpaid carers who dedicate their lives to looking after others, day in, day out. It’s a thankless task which often involves huge sacrifice and financial hardship at a time when everybody is feeling the pinch.
‘Our card will help them access discounts to help ease the cost but perhaps more importantly it’s recognition for the work they do. It is their own identity card, which validates the important role they play to the people they care for and for the wider society.’
You can find out more information and apply for the Blue Sky Social Care Card at https://blueskycard.uk
If you are caring for a loved one, you can find resources to support you on our website. Visit our Support for Carers page for information and guidance on carers assessments, where to find support, benefits and respite. Search for carer groups near you in our useful contacts section. Or order a free copy of your local Care Services Directory which contains advice and support for carers, as well as details of care homes and homecare providers.
