North Tyneside Council has launched a new service to provide care for people in their own homes to help meet rising demand.
A recruitment drive is underway across the borough to build a team of people passionate about care who want to support residents to live as independently as possible.
The national Made with Care campaign aims to shine a light on the wide range of rewarding careers available in adult social care.
In North Tyneside, we have vacancies for flexible frontline roles across the Council and the independent sector.
No experience is necessary as full training will be given at the Social Care Academy supported by experienced staff.
So far, 25 new staff have already been recruited to the new in-house domiciliary care service with plans to grow the team to 40.
Staff use an app to plan their day – which could involve preparing meals, taking a resident shopping or to an activity they enjoy, providing personal care, administering medication, or helping to build confidence.
As well as providing first-class care – the new team also draws on the experience of the Council’s reablement team, which specialises in helping people to build on their strengths and regain their confidence to live as independently as possible.
Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, Norma Redfearn CBE, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the vital role of our wonderful carers in our society and how they are a lifeline for many of our most vulnerable residents.
“This new team will meet increased demand for our services and ensure we can support our residents to live as safe and independent lives as possible.
“We have vacancies across our social care teams and with our providers – from people starting out in their careers, to those looking for the next step on the career ladder – or even a complete career change.
“It really is a job that can be life-changing for all involved.”
Among the new recruits is Connor Jaggs, who left his job in customer service with a mobile phone provider to take the first steps on a new career in care.
Connor was inspired to make the change in memory of his mam, Trisha, who lost her brave battle with bowel cancer when she was 56.
Connor was just 14 when she was first diagnosed and cared for his mum throughout her illness.
He said: “I know first-hand how important extra support is for people and their families as they try to keep living as independent lives as possible despite the challenges they may face.
“The support my mam had gave her confidence to keep doing the things she wanted for as long as she could and I’ll always be grateful for that.
“At first, I thought I couldn’t do it as a job, as it would be too hard after losing her. But now I feel ready to make the change and I want to feel I am making a difference to someone’s life, even if it is in a small way.
“I’m really enjoying it so far. Each day, I am given my list of clients to see and use my bike to get around.
“Every day is different as everyone has different needs and it’s nice to see how even just having a chat with someone can bring a smile to their face. You always go home at the end of the day and know that your work means something.
“It’s also been good to hear about all the different career options available as there are such a wide range of roles in social care.”
Perrie Douglas is also enjoying the flexibility of her new role, which allows her to work around her young family.
She said: “I used to work in the hotel sector, but when my gran became poorly I saw what a difference her carers made to her life and I thought ‘I want to do that.’
“I love my work - every day is different, and I enjoy meeting all the different people and hearing their stories.
“It’s so rewarding to think you have helped to make a difference to their day and it’s lovely when you see them grow in confidence.
“The flexibility is also great for work/life balance as I can work my shifts around the school run and there are also extra shifts available too on weekends.
“I get the bus between visits or walk which is great for getting my steps in.
“Working as part of the Council team is also a great way to find out about all the different roles in care and there are lots of opportunities to progress.”
“Now is the right time to start a career in care,” said Eleanor Binks, Assistant Director for Service Integration, Health Education Care and Safeguarding, North Tyneside Council, who started her own career as a care worker
She said: “We’ve had lots of great applicants for the role so far. I think the pandemic has shown people how vital carers are and has made people think differently about their careers.
“There is so much variety in the care sector – it can lead to lots of different career paths and I know lots of people who move onto roles such as in reablement or as occupational therapists or wellbeing officers.
“This is a really interesting new service as it combines the traditional home care with the work of our reablement team who can help provide further support to help people live as independently as possible.
“You don’t need experience- just a desire to care and make a difference to someone’s life – all the rest we can teach you.”
For more information and to apply click here.