The Adult Carer ID Card, introduced by East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership (ELHSCP) in collaboration with East Lothian Council, is designed to acknowledge the contributions of carers and offer practical support in their daily lives.
Fiona Wilson, chief officer and director of ELHSCP, said: “Unpaid carers are the backbone of our communities across East Lothian, yet their role is often invisible.
“The Carer ID Card provides carers with a formal validation that they deserve and offers peace of mind in emergencies.
“We know that this card will go some way towards assisting unpaid carers in their daily lives.”
ELHSCP developed the ID card after direct consultation with carers to ensure it addresses their core needs.
The card serves three main purposes: formal recognition of the caring role, emergency contact information, and access to community benefits.
The council says displaying the card helps promote recognition by encouraging businesses, services, and the wider community to ‘Think Carer’.
In an emergency, it features two designated contact fields, allowing responders to arrange alternative care quickly if the carer is incapacitated.
The card also connects carers to discounts and offers from participating businesses across East Lothian, thanks to partnerships with local organisations.
While young carers in the area have been able to apply for a similar card through the Young Carers Service, this is the first time such formal recognition has been made available to adults in a caring role.
More information and applications are available at eastlothian.gov.uk/support-for-carers