Thanks after 'fantastic' response to social care rallying cry in South Tyneside

Earlier in April 2020, South Tyneside Council launched a recruitment drive for people to put themselves forward to work in adult social care.

In return for answering the call to action, the council offered fast track training, DBS adults clearance and support in securing employment with a commissioned provider.

Around 120 applications have been submitted by interesting individuals since the campaign was launched on April 9 and interviews are ongoing.

The council has also recruited existing care support workers into new roles in internal services or independent homes.

Coun Tracey Dixon, Deputy Leader with responsibility for Independence and Wellbeing, described the response to the campaign as “fantastic.”

“The people of South Tyneside pull together in times of need and this has absolutely been the case in this situation,” she said.

“A great deal of work has been going on behind the scenes with our partners and care homes to keep our adults with complex needs safe and well.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to all those who continue to go above and beyond for those with the most complex needs in our communities.”

As many people have lost their jobs or are struggling with reduced salaries as a result of coronavirus, council bosses hope that residents will take advantage of the opportunity to earn an income while carrying out valuable roles in their communities and helping some of their area’s most vulnerable people.

Recruiting people to work in social care has historically proven a challenge, and the coronavius crisis has only increased demand for people to work in the care sector, prompting many councils and other authorities to launch recruitment drives.

Applications are still open for adult social care roles and no previous experience is necessary.

To register an interest, send your CV or contact details and a brief outline of relevant skills and experience to [email protected]

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.