Caring is not just for Christmas …
As Christmas approaches, Stephen Wilson, CEO and founder of Social Care Alba, has little time for festive preparations. Demand for home care has rocketed; due, in part, to rising post-Covid care needs and a backlog of pending hospital treatments.
However, running alongside this rising demand is a UK-wide shortage of care staff; with Covid and Brexit, the key culprits. Consequently, increasing numbers of vulnerable people are struggling to receive the home care they need.
To help tackle this shortfall locally, Social Care Alba has launched an online campaign, ‘Caring is not Just for Christmas’, which aims to encourage more people into the care profession.
“There will be those who have worked in care before, or who are currently in related roles and are looking for a change.” explains Mr Wilson; “Our campaign is appealing to people who already understand the vital role that care staff play for those needing support, and who have the skills and mindset to make a real difference.”
Exploring the Benefits of a Career in Social Care
One of the issues around recruitment, suggests the CEO, is that many are unaware of the benefits of working in social care:
“Of course, working with the community brings its own rewards; but on a practical level, we offer long-term career paths, job stability and flexibility, first-class training and a competitive salary. At Social Care Alba, we work hard to ensure that our staff feel safe, happy and valued – they expect that of us for the hard work they do, and it shows in the high standard of care they provide to our clients”.
Sponsorship for European Nationals
The social care organisation has also recently been awarded a Sponsorship Licence from UK Visas and Immigration department. This is with a view to sponsoring existing European national care staff to continue – and further – their careers in the UK.
“There is a serious shortfall in care staff right now, and we must do what we can to ensure that vulnerable people in our communities get the support they need”, Mr Wilson concludes “We are hopeful that our campaign and sponsorship options will help to spark greater interest in the profession and begin to bridge that gap locally.”
More information can be found by following the campaign on Facebook.
