Somerset County Council has partnered with the NHS and Registered Care Providers Assiociation in a new campaign to recruit and empower care workers.
The ‘My Time to Care’ campaign, which was shot entirely in Somerset and stars local carers in six new videos, is being launched today (Monday, January 16).
The campaign works on promoting care work as a respected career choice.
Cllr Heather Shearer, Somerset County Council Executive Lead Member for Adult Social Care, said: “For too long, social care has had an image problem, with carers often depicted as beneath the people they are caring for; helping people into chairs, bringing them tea and tablets, sitting on the floor beside them.
“Though this seems subtle, it can influence the way both carers themselves and the wider world perceive the profession – especially when you compare this to the way other professions are presented.
"These videos and images were developed to show carers as they really are - strong, capable, resilient professionals who do fun, rewarding work which they passionately care about.”
The campaign focuses on how a care job gets you away from a desk, taking part in meaningful human interaction on a daily basis. People from all age groups are included within the recruitment drive.
Mel Lock, Somerset County Council’s director of adult social care, said: "We are rightly proud of our care sector in Somerset.
“A career in care in Somerset offers stability in a growing industry, and the chance for significant career progression.
“We do need more care workers in Somerset to meet increasing demand, whether that is helping the elderly or younger adults who need care support."
Victoria Downing-Burn, director of workforce strategy, NHS Somerset, added: "“We know that working in health and care is an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career and these films help highlight the wide range of amazing opportunities available in the care sector in Somerset."
The recruitment campaign will be promoted on social media and across local news throughout the region.
A recruitment event is set to take place at Somerset County Cricket Club on Tuesday, February 7, for all those that are considering becoming care sector workers.
For those that are interested in watching the videos, click here (Proud to Care - YouTube).
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