Caring for carers

The council support up to 2,000 adults with social care needs in any one year so people can live as independently as possible in their own homes. This includes older people, people with physical disabilities or learning disabilities and people with mental health that impacts their daily lives.

Carers ensure people are safe and well and tasks range from helping people to get washed and dressed, get ready for bed, collecting medication, shopping and ensuring the people they provide care for are getting out and about and involved in their local community.

We are highlighting their work during national Carers Week (June 6 to 12) the theme for 2022 is Make caring visible, valued and supported. We also celebrate the incredible work of Shared Lives – it’s like fostering for adults, from June 13 to 19.

Strathy Close Day Centre is home to the council’s Adult Learning Disability Service, and we will introduce you to staff and service users at the centre and the interactive, sensory and physical programme of activities that help develop independence.

Residents will be encouraged to find out more about working in the care sector and the variety of roles; respite care, home care, working in a care home, employed by someone who needs care as their personal care assistant and Shared Lives.

Cllr John Ennis, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care said:  “Social care staff and carers work incredibly hard, 365 days of the year, every single year. Without them the whole health and social care system would not function. We want those carers to know they are enormously valued caring for our most vulnerable residents - ensuring they get the care they need.” 

“Reading needs more carers. If you are kind, reliable and patient there will be a role for you - supporting adults of all ages you could help someone live their best life.” 

“Caring is an incredibly rewarding career with opportunities for training and career progression. You may not have previously considered working in care or aren’t sure how to take the next step, rest assured no previous experience is necessary”