THE first care workers recruited through Cornwall’s ‘Be Proud to Care’ campaign have put on their uniforms and are out making a difference to the lives of elderly and vulnerable residents.
They join more than 150 Cornwall Council staff already deployed into the care sector.
The campaign ‘Cornwall Needs You - Be Proud to Care’ was launched at the beginning of April.
Cornwall Council portfolio holder for adults, Cllr Rob Rotchell, welcomed the new intake of care workers but said more were needed.
’We are so very grateful to the hundreds of people to date who have responded, but more people are needed,’ he said.
’We’re appealing to anyone who is currently furloughed, unemployed or is flexible with time to spare, to think about joining this very special temporary workforce during this time of need and high demand.
’Ideally we’d like volunteers to have some experience of working in a people-facing role but the most important thing is having the right values and wanting to make a real difference to people’s lives.’
Alison Waller, managing director of Corserv Community Care Services, said: ’We have already received 400 applications for care workers to join our teams, and further 100 requests from our existing colleagues seeking to work additional hours during this crisis.
’We are proud to say that the first new care workers are already out shadowing colleagues to help make a difference to the lives of elderly and vulnerable residents during this unprecedented time.
’In addition to providing direct support across the discharge lounges and community services, this additional workforce will also be deployed across the county to support other providers who may be struggling to meet demand.’
Nicola is one of the new care workers who answered the ‘Cornwall Needs You’ call. She has joined the STEPs team after being recommended by her sister and says: ’I feel proud to put my uniform on and make a difference to the people’s lives.
’My days are really varied. I’ve been working from home completing e-learning and been out shadowing other support workers.
’Being able to work my hours around childcare for my young daughter really suits me and my team have been so supportive?every step of the way.’
Recruits are provided with essential training prior to starting work, which could be in a care home, providing care in a person’s own home, or supporting the local community in other ways.
If you would like to help then please visit the Proud to Care Cornwall website?http://www.proudtocarecornwall.org.uk and apply as soon as possible.
If you want to help in a volunteer capacity, then please visit the Volunteer Cornwall website www.volunteercornwall.org.uk