Government launches:- 'Made With Care' campaign for 2023 to expand adult social care workforce

PEOPLE looking to make a genuine difference to people's lives are being encouraged to join the adult social care workforce through a Government recruitment campaign.

The 'Made with Care' campaign is returning for a third year, with advertising promoting the wide range of opportunities available to people across England to build a career in adult social care and help people live happy, healthy, fulfilling lives.

Minister for Care, Helen Whately said:- "Our care system depends on dedicated care workers who make a difference to the lives of so many people in need of support. This campaign helps build that vital workforce. I encourage anyone considering the next step in their career, whether just starting out or thinking of their next move, to go online and explore the wide range of opportunities in the care sector."

Running until the end of March 2024, campaign advertising will appear to millions across video on demand platforms such as ITVX, Sky Go and Channel 4; radio and digital audio channels such as Spotify and social media and digital channels like Facebook and Instagram, to direct job seekers to:- AdultSocialCare.Co.UK.

This year's campaign builds on the success of last year, which saw over 244,000 candidates search for a social care job on the website after seeing the campaign*.

The campaign aims to show the amazing work that care workers do, celebrate the way they empower the people they care for and shine a light on the emotional rewards of the role, to inspire more people to consider a career in adult social care.

Many entry level roles don't require any specific qualifications; training will be provided on the job, and there are a variety of roles available so those interested in care work can find a job that will fit around them.

Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP added:- "From care assistants to support workers, there are vacancies across England with a variety of employers that could help jobseekers take their next step on the career ladder. Anyone interested in a social care role should tap into the free resources available, including our Find a Job portal and their local Jobcentre."

Beverley Tarka, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services said:- "There aren't many jobs where you can really make a difference to people's lives, but social care gives you the opportunity to do that every day. From helping people to live independently, to taking part in their communities and doing the things that help them to enjoy life whatever challenges they might face. I've worked in adult social care for more than 30 years and everyday it feels a real privilege to have such a positive impact for people in my community. There are currently 152,000 opportunities to improve people's lives, and I hope this campaign will encourage people to think again about a job in social care."

Oonagh Smyth, CEO of Skills for Care, said:- "The figures from our Adult Social Care Workforce Data Set show that, in 2022/23, the sector had around 152,000 vacancies on any given day, so we need to tell a really compelling story about how rewarding a career in social care can be. In particular, we need to try to attract more men and younger people, who are under-represented in the workforce. We hope this new campaign will help to attract more people into vital care roles; and we'd encourage employers to use it to support their local recruitment efforts."

While the campaign will look to encourage the public to consider if a career in social care may be suitable for them, the Department of Health and Social Care is also calling for all care providers to list their vacancies on the Department of Work and Pension's 'Find a Job' portal, to ensure job seekers visiting the campaign website can find roles in their local area.

Department for Work and Pensions is also working hard to boost hiring for the sector ahead of the Winter with an expected 100 multi-sector jobs fairs planned, where social care jobs will be on offer between October and Christmas. Jobseekers can speak directly with employers at these events.

At AdultSocialCare.Co.UK, people will be able to find everything they need to research a career in adult social care and, crucially, search and apply for adult social care jobs near them; with support to perfect their CV and advice on interviews.

The campaign is designed to encourage applications from the right personnel, but also to make the recruitment process easier with free resources to help providers fill their vacancies.

These will include:-

• Free printable and digital assets with flexible branding to use when advertising job opportunities.
  

• The ability to advertise job roles for free on:- AdultSocialCare.Co.UK with an audience of thousands.

The Government is fully committed to the 10 year vision to reform adult social care. Our Next Steps to put People at the Heart of Care plan sets out how we are spending £700 million over 2 years, including:- £250 million for the workforce to develop their skills and careers, on top of our £7.5 billion investment to help reduce adult social care waiting times and increase capacity.

This funding will ease pressure and build a stronger NHS to ensure the people of our country get the care they need and deserve.

Let us know your thoughts on this news topic... Email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:-  Mastodon, Facebook or Twitter.

B&Q Southport Joins Forces with Revitalise Sandpipers in Community Gardening Collaboration

B&Q Southport has announced its support for national charity Revitalise and their Sandpipers centre in the North West, recently taking to their outdoor space to help with the refurbishment of their gardens.

Revitalise, a dedicated organisation that specialises in creating fully accessible respite holidays for disabled individuals and their caregivers supported by 24 hours care, is the only provider of its kind in the UK. The Sandpipers centre has become a cherished destination for those seeking respite care, offering a wealth of fantastic facilities, including:- a hydrotherapy pool, in house entertainment, and enriching excursions. Nestled beside the water, their centre provides much-needed breaks, support, and experiences for those seeking a vibrant and inclusive community.

The B&Q Foundation, a charity set up to make a positive difference in local communities, sent George, the General Manager of B&Q Southport, along with his dedicated team down to Sandpipers last month. They arrived armed with garden furniture, essential gardening tools, and an assortment of plants to refurb the holiday destination. Their generous contribution ensures that the Sandpipers garden will flourish year-round, adding to the charm and beauty of the centre.

In a brilliant show of community spirit, B&Q Foundation's Volunteering 2023 scheme rallied a team of 6 volunteers, who joined George and his colleagues in the gardening efforts. Together, they have breathed new life into this cherished community space.

The support from B&Q Southport has made an enormous impact on the Sandpipers gardens, which show stunning views overlooking Southport's iconic Marine Lake. This refurbishment has played a big role in transforming the centre's outdoor space into an even more inviting and welcoming environment for guests, carers, and volunteers.

Revitalise provides 4,500 breaks a year to over 2,600 people. Disabled people can come with their loved ones, allowing both to relax and have fun whilst Revitalise takes care of everything behind the scenes.

Kelly, General Manager of Revitalise Sandpipers, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration, stating:- "B&Q Southport's kind support has truly transformed our gardens and we are immensely proud to be a part of this collaborative effort that brings joy to our guests, their families and carers. This development will enhance the experience for our guests and time spent outdoors, so a huge thank you to all involved from the team at Revitalise"