Council launches Christmas recruitment campaign to boost number of social care workers

In the run up to the winter period, Bridgend County Borough Council is encouraging people to ‘Give the gift of care’ this Christmas, as part of a new recruitment drive for social care staff.

Coinciding with the 12 Days of Christmas, the campaign, which launches tomorrow (Friday 2 December) highlights the variety of job opportunities available in the council’s social care teams.

Emphasising the need for social care staff to provide physical, emotional, and social support to help people live their lives, the campaign focuses on how this is particularly important during the winter and festive periods.

The campaign features Penny, a care home manager in the county borough, who said:

“I never intended a career in care, and my progression was mainly due to looking for the next challenge, but it turned out to be the best move I’ve ever made.

“I think being in a job which allows you to help others is incredibly rewarding, you have a chance to make a real difference to people lives, form strong relationships with the residents and your work colleagues and have loads of fun along the way.

“Over the years I’ve worked with people who had relatives on the Titanic, have taken part in literacy workshops with Dylan Thomas, been founder members of the Welsh National Opera, been the parents of pop stars and famous businesspeople and fashion designers.

“People who have had wonderful careers themselves, such as dress makers for royalty and marched in protest, against civil wars.

“Our elderly people have wonderful stories to tell, and it’s been a privilege to hear them. I would recommend a career in care to anyone with a kind heart and an interest in others.”

The council is seeking more people to carry out this vital role, particularly with winter fast approaching and demand expected to rise, against a backdrop of a nationwide shortage of social care staff. People working in this role are dedicated to supporting individuals and their families, and that support is key, to enable people to live fulfilled, happy, and independent lives.

Working in social care is so varied, you can be spending time with older people, children and younger people, people with dementia, people with learning disabilities and physical disabilities, people with autism or people with a range of complex care needs. Everyone will be able to find a role they’re passionate about in social care as there’s plenty of flexibility. We have jobs available across the county borough, with flexible hours, the ability to work locally, and comprehensive training available to provide you with the necessary skills for your role.

Opportunities to work in the care sector range from care home staff and reablement workers who go out to care for people in their own homes to advanced mental health practitioners, social workers, and occupational therapists. There are also social work apprentices available with a funded degree course on offer. There are a range of social care vacancies currently available at Bridgend County Borough Council, and anyone interested can apply. You don’t always need to have qualifications, and with the full support, and training opportunities that we offer as an organisation, it really is a job for life.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Early Help, Councillor Jane Gebbie

A full list of social care vacancies can be found on the local authority’s website.

Vacancies are available for both drivers and non-drivers.