East Riding residents urged to Choose Care and Change Lives

A campaign has been launched by East Riding of Yorkshire Council to increase the number of people considering a job in adult social care.
Staff from Burlington Care Home in BridlingtonStaff from Burlington Care Home in Bridlington
Staff from Burlington Care Home in Bridlington

Choose Care was initially set up at the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak to help people who needed support.

The campaign was successful in recruiting people to work in the sector, people from all walks of life, many who had never considered a career in care.

The ongoing initiative is focusing on recruiting more people into the sector - into both short-term and ongoing roles. Staff are needed for paid work in council-owned and private care organisations, which include both residential and personal addresses.

Who are we looking for?

You don't need any professional qualifications or experience to become a carer necessarily. What's important is that you're kind, respectful and hardworking - that you have an understanding of people's feelings and are ready to help when you're needed. There are lots of opportunities to make a real difference to people’s lives.

A career in care provides the chance to develop your skills and gain formal education while you work. There are opportunities to progress your placement into an ongoing permanent role, or if you're looking to go into nursing or medicine, this could be the perfect stepping stone for you to boost experience.

And for any future career this will provide excellent experience of working with customers, communication and many other core skills.

Alex Grainger is one of many stars in the care sectorAlex Grainger is one of many stars in the care sector
Alex Grainger is one of many stars in the care sector

Why caring hits the right note for Alex

Alex Grainger is one of many stars in the care sector who have had the spotlight shining on them during such worrying and stressful times.

As an experienced singer, he has had the chance to entertain residents on many occasions, but the work he has been doing part-time while the curtains have been brought down on the entertainment sector means he has also been able to play a vital role for hundreds of residents and patients.

"It's one of the most rewarding things I have ever done," said Alex.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council's day care servicesEast Riding of Yorkshire Council's day care services
East Riding of Yorkshire Council's day care services

"When the shows started to be paused because of Covid, I was determined to help out somehow and started doing care work.

"The fact that it is part-time means I'm still able to do some singing projects, but I find it very inspiring to be able to help someone have a dignified life in care with some brightness and enjoyment. The residents I work with are so trusting - they look at life so differently to us and are as much of a boost for me as I hope I am for them.

"I'd recommend it as a career for anyone, either full or part-time. It is so fulfilling being able to help someone who can't do everything for themselves and the work is flexible enough to fit in with any home circumstances."

How does Choose Care work?

Finding out about care jobs that are available in the East Riding is easy and can be done via the Choose Care website. Simply browse the opportunities available from private and council-run organisations and apply directly to that organisation.

Anybody could need care and support, whether it be the individual themselves,their family members or friends and it could be needed at any stage of life, while living at home and in the community.

Support could be for people with learning disabilities, mental health conditions, sensory impairment, physical disabilities and support for older people.

Whether there is a hope to start a career in adult social care or make a difference in the current climate, the council is looking for people with the right values, rather than lots of qualifications.

Skills can be developed with on-the-job training or formal education, and, for those who want to progress to new roles in the future, there are always opportunities to take on more responsibilities.

Liz Smithson, strategic business development and commissioning manager, said: “You know that feeling you get when you do something nice for someone? You can get that feeling every day…and be paid for it with a role in care in the East Riding.

“If you want a rewarding career that fits around your lifestyle there are plenty of roles available supporting people in a care setting or in their own homes.”

Roles may be on offer such as care assistant, support worker or lifeline responder as well as support worker roles such as cleaners, cooks and caretakers. With more than 140 residential care homes and thousands of staff already employed, you will find lots of opportunities available to you.

If you want to help and be part of a team that makes a difference, click here for more information.