An NHS worker says special discounts have saved him £2,500 since the pandemic started - and has urged others to take advantage of the deals on offer.
Aaron Linstead, 28, works on the frontline in an intensive care ward in London and said the discounts helped him cope mentally and financially during a time when people are feeling pinched by the rising cost of living.
He said that although many of the early discounts that brands were offering for NHS workers have disappeared over the last two years, there are still great deals for emergency workers.
These include getting 20 percent off your phone bill with EE to discounts on coffee and takeaways .
He said: “I saved a lot of money that I was able to spend on other things that normally I couldn’t - but it made a difference to my mental wellbeing.
"I would say that there’s plenty of deals out there for all NHS and emergency services.
Have you bagged big discounts using the card? Let us know in the comments below
"It’s worth looking into getting a Blue Light Card as there’s loads of deals available on there with money off different stores, holidays, broadband and restaurants."
The Blue Light Card gives those in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces discounts online and in-store.
The cards cost £4.99 for two years.
Linstead added: "Even if it’s not featured on their website, it’s always worth asking if somewhere does discounts. I’ve never had anyone say no. I’m always using discounts on my shopping or out in restaurants, and possibly use it for a holiday in the near future too."
This year Linstead said he plans to use 2 percent discounts on big purchases including a new computer and Apple watch as well as Odeon cinema tickets from £5.47.
He also hopes to book a holiday with Haven using 15 percent discount cards.
Linstead works as a patient administrator in intensive care and is responsible for arranging outpatient appointments and communicating between doctors and patients’ families.
Like many workers, he has some concerns about the predicted £1,200 cost of living increase in 2022.
Linstead added: "It’s always worrying hearing the cost of living going up but discounts working in the NHS will always help out as saving any pennies matters.”
He saved £14 on his mobile phone with EE, and has unlimited 4G internet.
Linstead said: “The deals really made a difference because I felt appreciated. The EE deal especially helped me. It was one of the best for me because I was able to keep in touch with people throughout the whole pandemic.
“It was so great because it means I can stay connected wherever I am. For example I can Facetime a loved one on my way home after a gruelling shift."
EE director of propositions Sharon Meadows said: “Our gratitude to the NHS is not temporary and we continue to support the people who work so selflessly to help us all.
"Helping NHS staff stay online at home, at work or on the move is one small way to say thank you and we’ll carry on doing our bit to connect those who need it most.”
