Reading Council Launches Carer Recruitment Campaign

READING Borough Council is working to recruit extra local carers to meet the growing demand and help the borough through the coronavirus pandemic.

Our town urgently needs more carers. The Council is urging people to join them, and the care agencies they work with, to help make sure vulnerable adults and older people in Reading are supported over the coming months. Carers and support workers are needed for people who may be elderly or frail or have multiple health conditions, people with learning and physical disabilities, and people with mental health issues, including dementia. Work can take place in a variety of settings: in people’s homes, in a care home, supported living, in short breaks or day services and out in the community. Carers ensure people are safe and well and have access to food and medication. Tasks range from helping people to get washed and dressed or get ready for bed to preparing or collecting supplies, shopping and delivering vital equipment. There are currently vacancies available within the residential, home care and supported living service areas working with older people and people with disabilities. A range of temporary, permanent, full time or part-time roles are available. No experience is necessary and training will be given. To find out more and to apply for available posts visit www.reading.gov.uk/makeadifference

Cllr Tony Jones, Reading’s Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care, said:

“When you care every day makes a difference. Now more than ever, you could really help protect the NHS and save lives in your community. “I’m so proud of the vital role that care workers across Reading have played in supporting our most vulnerable residents at this hugely challenging time, and these frontline workers will become even more critical in the weeks ahead. “Caring is an incredibly rewarding career with opportunities for training and career progression. If you have finished further education earlier than anticipated, you are looking for temporary employment to support you with immediate income, or you're just keen to do your bit to help, then please apply. “Reading urgently needs more carers. If you are caring and compassionate and willing to get stuck in, there will be a role for you supporting adults of all ages. Could you make a difference? Visit our website www.reading.gov.uk/makeadifference ” The Council and local care agencies have thorough infection control procedures and protective equipment in place to ensure all staff and the people they support are protected. There will be up to date guidance and support.

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Case studies:

Here is what two of our care workers had to say about their roles: Reading carers Rebecca Hancock (right), Community Reablement Team carer supporting individuals in their homes: “We support individuals in lots of ways, from washing and dressing, to everyday tasks in the home. It’s important to build trust with people and it’s vital for the same few carers to visit an individual, rather than a different carer every time.” “I can see I’m making people’s days brighter. When someone you’re supporting tells you how much you’ve helped them it’s a great feeling. It’s a challenging job but very fulfilling.” Rebecca McCready (left), Care Co-Ordinator who assesses and reviews an individual’s care needs: “The most rewarding part of my job is where you have a really good outcome for someone, such as when someone is told they won’t be able to walk again. I’m able to help put in the right services and the right people and try different things, and after some work, they are able to gain more independence to manage their transfers independently. When you see an achievement like that, it makes you feel proud of what you’ve contributed towards because you have supported them in changing their life for the better.”