Scheme Being Launched To Help People Find Paid Work In The Care Sector

Published on: 7 Nov, 2018
Updated on: 9 Nov, 2018

A new free programme is being piloted in Guildford to help people who are looking for work, but who may need extra care and support, and at the same time helping to address the skills shortage in the care sector.

The programme will provide accredited training followed by support to find a paid work in a caring role.

Called Community Skills for Care, the programme is open to anyone living in the boroughs of Guildford and Waverley. People are being invited to join the programme now and can go along to an introductory session on Thursday, November 15, to find out all the details before signing up.

The programme is funded by Surrey County Council Adult Social Care, partnering with Voluntary Action South West Surrey (VASWS) and Professional Training Solutions, based in Farnham.

Project co-ordinator David Rose from VASWS will provide support including finding work experience or volunteering roles for people not ready to go straight into work.

He said: “The county council’s adult social care team have devised this one-year pilot scheme to help tackle the fact there are many people who are not in work due to health problems and social issues, while at the same time there is a national shortage of people working in the care sector – in care homes, day centres, and places of support to those in need.

“Community Skills for Care is designed to help people who may need some care and support themselves to develop the skills they need, and nurture them, to become paid care workers themselves.

After a short training course the next step for participants will be volunteering to gain on-the-job real work experience. Once completed, and depending on how much each person requires, the aim is that they will then be able to move into a paid role.

The programme will feature a pool of people who will act as ‘peer support coaches’. It is envisaged they will provide an additional level of support to people who are under the care of the adult social care team.

The coaches will have had help, or are receiving it, from adult social care services and will volunteer their time to help their peers fulfil their care plans and enable them to be more active in the community. They will receive training in the role.

The programme is being widely promoted through Jobcentres and within the care sector.

The information event on Thursday, November 15, is from 10am to noon, at Guildford Borough Council’s offices, Millmead House, Millmead, Guildford GU2 4BB.

Anyone interested in taking part in the programme or organisations who may want more details of it are welcome to attend.

David Rose added: “You will hear all about the programme including details of the training you will receive and the dates (starting at the end of November), plus how we will find you volunteer work that will hopefully later lead on to paid employment in the care sector.

“You will have the opportunity to sign up to the programme at the introduction day. The programme is completely free and depending on your circumstances help towards travel costs may be available.

“Meet me in the reception area at the council offices at 9.45am. We will then go to the room where the event is being held.”

More details from David Rose on 07825 419408. Email: d.rose@vasws.org.uk