Prince William has received a major boost to his homelessness project Homewards as it's just added another impressive partnership to its list of supporters.
Blue Light Card, the UK's leading discount provider for the emergency services, NHS, social care sector and armed forces, has announced that is now welcoming the homelessness workforce into its community.
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.
The Prince of Wales will celebrate the news later today during his planned visit to Aberdeen to recognise the work of the homeless sector.
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 brands such as Ikea, Pret a Manger, Homebase and the Natwest Group.
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.
In a survey of frontline workers in the homelessness sector released today by St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity, over half (52 percent) of those working within the sector sometimes struggle to pay their bills or housing costs (44 percent).
Nearly one in two (47 percent) have spent their own money on work-related costs and 51 percent said that they always or often feel at risk of burnout and a further 29 percent said they sometimes feel this way.
It is hoped that by giving the homelessness workforce access to the discounts under the Blue Light Card they will be able to save money on everyday essentials such as groceries and utilities while also making treats such as meals out more accessible.
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 in supporting their health and wellbeing and show how much we value and appreciate them, we will do that."
The news was welcomed by Pim Gregory, Executive Director of Homelessness at the Royal Foundation who said they were "so grateful" for the support.
Full time and part time employees of organisations that work directly on homelessness across the UK are eligible for the Blue Light Card and can register online at www.bluelightcard.co.uk. A card costs £4.99 and is valid for two years.
