A CAMPAIGN is encouraging people with the relevant skillset to pursue a rewarding career in adult social care.

With almost half-a-million extra job opportunities in adult social care expected by 2035 and more than 105,000 vacancies needing to be filled the ‘Made with Care’ campaign aims to encourage people to apply for exciting and rewarding roles across the country.

Carol is a Team Leader at the local trust that enables children, young people and adults with learning disabilities and autism to live life in the way they choose. She had been a civil servant for 26 years when she got inspired by her daughter to start working a few shifts a week as a domiciliary care support worker alongside her main job in 2015.

Speaking about her experience in care, Carol said: “I worried I wouldn’t be able to do this type of work but once I tried it, it was a natural thing for me and it was something I found I was good at, and had the most job satisfaction I have ever had. Be brave, it may seem hard to leave a job you have done for a long time but by trying like I did and going onto a bank first you can always try to see if it’s something you would like before you take the plunge and make a career out of social care work.”

Janine, who owns her own care agency in Tavistock with her husband, began her career in care at 18, while also being mother to a three-month-old baby.

The ‘Made with Care’ recruitment campaign will run across, broadcast and social media, encouraging people with the values that embody care workers to join a workforce dedicated to helping others and build a career that helps people live happy, healthy lives.

Discussing the benefits of a career in the care sector, Janine said: “I began my career in care at 18, while also being mother to a three-month-old baby. Over the years, I rose through the ranks and am very proud to now manage and own two care agencies with my husband.

“The role has diversified over the years into an extremely complex one that requires a skill set that is unique to this sector. There is no other role that can give the daily challenge and rewards that working in the care sector can give you.”

Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid said: “Care workers have done a phenomenal job throughout the pandemic, in difficult circumstances, and I thank them for all they have done.

“A career in social care is rewarding and inspiring. Over the next three years we are investing at least £500 million to support the training and development for carers.

“We need more people who possess the core values this workforce embody so strongly - kindness, compassion and resilience - to look after our friends and family with dignity and respect.”

Minister for Care Gillian Keegan said: “I am dedicated to making working in social care not just emotionally rewarding but a career opportunity with future development for people.

“The care workers represented in our ‘Made with Care’ recruitment campaign are passionate about working in the sector – and the impact they have on those they care for has really moved me. I strongly encourage people to apply for these great opportunities.

“We are investing record amounts into social care making this is an exciting time to join the workforce and play an important role in helping to develop a world-leading social care system as we bring forward our plans for reform later this year.”

Chief Social Worker for Adults at the Department for Health & Social Care, Lyn Romeo said: “The incredible care provided over the past 18 months is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic care workers. Their commitment and positivity have supported us through this challenging time and helped enable those they work for to live an independent life.

“For those beginning their journey into the working world or looking to switch careers, I cannot urge you enough to considering the care sector. This type of work is not only life changing for those that receive it, but is also incredibly fulfilling.”

The campaign began in November 2021 and will be running until March 2022 and will highlight vacancies in the sector as well as showcasing the amazing work care workers do, celebrating the way they empower the people they care for, and shining a light on the emotional reward of the role. It will also tackle perceived barriers to taking up care work, emphasising the importance of personal qualities over qualifications, the opportunities for training to develop a career in adult social care, and the availability of flexible working.

Roles in adult social care can be flexible, varied and rewarding, and could offer those who have the values and attributes needed to be a care worker the opportunity to start a new career.

For more information on the campaign and how to apply for a job in care visit: www.adultsocialcare.co.uk.