There’s never been a more important time to consider a career in social care
The past year and the impact of COVID-19 has shown just how important our care workers are. Throughout the pandemic, they have been a pillar of strength for some of our most vulnerable residents, ensuring they have carried on receiving the care they need in very difficult circumstances.
In Lewisham, I have been incredibly proud of our carers and am very grateful for their hard work and dedication. It is always fantastic to hear such kind and positive feedback from residents and to see the difference our care workers make in their lives.
Carers play a vital role in enabling people to live full and independent lives and the COVID-19 pandemic means that now, more than ever, we need new recruits to the care industry. Care workers are needed in Lewisham and across the whole of London to support people to get back on their feet and regain their independence.
That’s why I’m encouraging people to consider a career in social care.
Last month, London ADASS (Association of Directors of Adult Social Services) re-launched their Proud to Care initiative, linking people with jobs in social care, in partnership with councils like Lewisham. Read more on the Proud to Care initiative on the London ADASS website.
Working in social care is an incredibly rewarding job, with each day presenting new opportunities and challenges. It can be hard work, but it offers you the chance to make a positive difference to people’s lives. There are a huge variety of different roles within the social care industry, so you are bound to find something that matches your skills, qualifications and experience. Whether you’re on the frontline helping older people in residential care, supporting adults with learning disabilities or managing a team of care assistants, you’ll be playing a crucial role in our social care system.
In particular, the new Proud to Care scheme launched by London ADASS puts a renewed emphasis on rewards, benefits and opportunities for career progression within social care. We all know how important care workers are within our society and it’s vital that their contribution is properly recognised. That’s why Proud to Care has a clear focus on supporting people working in the industry with their professional development and providing care workers with access to an exclusive rewards scheme.
It’s also hugely important that care workers are paid properly for their work. As a Council, we’re proud to be signatories of the UNISON Ethical Care Charter, ensuring our carers are paid the London Living Wage and enjoy good quality working conditions.
I have spent a lot of time campaigning for improved pay and conditions for care workers throughout the industry and am proud to be a supporter of the Future Social Care Coalition, a cross-party and cross-sector group which has been lobbying the Government to deliver a fair deal for social care workers. Find out more about the Future Social Care Coalition on their website.
Mayor Damien Egan and Cllr Chris Best, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, signing the UNISON Ethical Care Charter with Dave Prentis, previous General Secretary of UNISON, in 2018:
While it may not be a career path you have considered before, working in social care is a hugely rewarding endeavour and there has never been a more important time to join. As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, you could play a vital role to play in supporting our recovery and helping our residents get the care they need.