Bid to increase carer workforce
Scottish Government Viewpoint
A NATIONAL campaign to increase the adult social care workforce has been launched.
The There's More to Care Than Caring recruitment campaign features stories from adult care workers.
Across Scotland around 145,000 people currently work in adult social care in a range of roles, including supporting people with physical disabilities, dementia, autism, older people and those with mental health conditions.
The campaign, which has been developed in collaboration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and key partners in the social care sector, will run across radio, online, newspapers and social media.
Health Secretary Jeane Freeman and children and young people minister Maree Todd attended the campaign launch in Edinburgh.
Ms Freeman said: "Working in adult social care can be hugely rewarding – for many it's more than a job, it's work they give enormous commitment to.
"As today's report from the Care Inspectorate and SSSC highlights, one of the main difficulties services face when trying to fill vacancies is not having enough applicants or the right applicants. That is exactly what this campaign seeks to address.
"Brexit presents a clear threat to the future of our health and social care services and the EU workforce make a valuable contribution to this sector as well as others.
"As a responsible government we will continue to do all we can to support our health and social care services."
Lee Robertson (43), a care worker at Enable Scotland, said: "I love being a carer and I'm passionate about letting others know why it's such a rewarding and satisfying career choice.
"Day to day, you provide personal and practical support to help people live their lives. Like any job, it's not without its challenges but if you have the right qualities then you will enjoy it."
* Find out more about careers in adult social care at CareToCare.scot
