A CAMPAIGN to promote careers in the health and care sector has been launched by South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) and other authorities in the South West.

The Proud to Care initiative explores the positive role of care workers, and is designed to support healthcare providers across the region as they can experience difficulties recruiting.

A total of 16 local authorities across the South West are supporting the campaign, establishing for the first time a regional approach to raising the profile of care.

The aim is to reach all potential care workers, including:

  • Younger people and those who have studied for a health and social care qualification
  • Parents considering a return to work
  • People aged 50 plus who, with more life experience might want to give something back to their community
  • Students seeking employment over holiday periods

Explaining the council’s decision to support the project, Cabinet Member for Adult Care in South Gloucestershire Cllr Ben Stokes said: “It makes perfect sense for us to team up with our neighbouring authorities to ensure that there is a consistent approach across the area.”

He added: “The campaign aims to help create career pathways in care and health to attract, retain and develop high quality people into the sector.

“We recognise the value and commitment of our carers and care workers, and it’s important that they are recognised for the contribution they make to society.”

As part of the campaign, an official website has been set up by SGC to provide information to potential care workers.

It features interviews with care and support workers, links to job opportunities and first-hand personal accounts from real care and support workers.