An ID card scheme for unpaid carers has been launched in East Lothian in 2026. Carers have told Carers of East Lothian and the Health and Social Care Partnership that a carer ID card is important for three reasons:
- recognition: carers can feel that places and services don’t recognise their role and it would be helpful for them to have something to show that recognises the support they provide and encourages others to ‘think carer’
- in case of emergency: carers worry about what might happen to the person they care for if something was to happen to them, the carer ID card will give two emergency contact numbers that should be used in case of emergency
- creating a carer friendly community: to access discounts or special offers*
*Please note, offers and discounts will be developed over time. If you are aware of any organisations already offering discounts for carers, please inform Carers of East Lothian on centre@coel.org.uk.
Please find information about how you can apply for your card on the second page of this document. Please see an image below of an example card:
How to apply for your card:
Please visit the following web page:
www.eastlothian.gov.uk/support-for-carers and scroll down to the information about ID cards.
On this web page you will find a link to complete an application form. You will be asked to provide some personal information and a photograph. You will also be asked to give consent to data handling,
There are some equalities questions. You can choose whether you answer this, but providing it helps East Lothian Health and Social Care Partnership to understand who is applying for cards and if there are specific groups that seem to be missing out.
You do not have to pay for the ID card.
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive an email informing you that it has been received.
The ID cards will be printed monthly and you will receive your card by post to your home address.
If you have any difficulty completing this online process, please contact us and we can help you to complete the application. You can call us on 0131 665 0135 or email us on centre@coel.org.uk.