FURLOUGHED staff are being encouraged to apply to work in the care sector to prop up a depleting workforce struck down by coronavirus.
Care providers across the North West have seen massive reductions in staff levels due to the pandemic, which has placed even greater pressures on hospitals.
A campaign being run by the North West Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) in conjunction with local authorities is looking to address this by recruiting temporary adult social care workers, from carers in private and residential homes to cooks, cleaners and more.
The ‘Be a Care Hero’ campaign looks to highlight the benefits of working in the adult social care sector and aims to attract people with transferable skills who are unable to work due to being furloughed, made redundant or having their hours slashed.
People working in the hospitality or airlines industry, and students, are particularly affected by these issues.
Lisa Urch is a social worker in St Helens and is supporting the recruitment campaign.
She said: “I have worked in adult social care for the last 20 years and have provided care and support to individuals with learning disabilities and people in the community.
“I’ve been able to build relationships to enable people to be as independent as possible in their own home – this helps with their wellbeing and gives them a better quality of life.
“Just by helping someone in a small way, whatever that is, I find really satisfying and rewarding along with the support and the training given, it’s just like being a big happy family.
“I can’t imagine doing any other job.”
St Helens Council, NHS St Helens CCG and St Helens Cares partners are now backing the ‘Be a Care Hero’ campaign, which launched around a fortnight ago.
“Now more than ever we need people to join the social care sector and help us to look after some of St Helens’ most vulnerable residents as we battle through the worst health crisis in the UK for generations,” said Cllr Marlene Quinn, St Helens Council’s cabinet member for adult social care and health.
“This campaign is aimed at recruiting staff to our local care workforce both in the home care sector and within residential settings, not only now but also in the future.
“Social care is a very rewarding sector to work in, and now more than any other time people are starting to understand what the role entails and also how vital it is for both St Helens and the country.
“If you think you have what it takes to be a great and compassionate carer, come and join our team of amazing staff locally and help make a real difference.”
Delyth Curtis, ADASS regional vice-chair, said: “There is a real issue mounting across adult social care so we have joined together to launch this much-needed recruitment campaign.
“With an estimated one-in-four workers likely to be furloughed in the UK, there is a huge number of people with incredible skills that would be greatly valued within adult social care right now.
“These are incredibly fulfilling and rewarding roles supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities when they need it most.”
To see what roles are available and how to apply, visit greater.jobs and search for ‘social care’ in Merseyside.
You can also email waystowork@sthelens.gov.uk or telephone 01744 67 6131 for more information.
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