“Your Community Needs You!” That’s the urgent call that is being made today for people who want to make all the difference to people’s lives to join North Yorkshire’s care and support workforce at this critical period during the coronavirus pandemic

North Yorkshire County Council is urging people to join its workforce to meet the unprecedented logistical and humanitarian challenge of caring for older people and others in need of help and support.

“Your community needs you urgently” said County Councillor Michael Harrison, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Adult Services and Health Integration.

“During the coronavirus pandemic it is more important than ever that we keep people safe and supported across our county’s communities. To do this, we need help at this critical time.

North Yorkshire is a place where looking out for friends and neighbours is part of daily life and kindness comes naturally. These values are what helps make the county such a special place to live, work and visit.

“We know that people want to help their communities and we have a huge army of volunteers stepping up with support of many kinds at this time. However, for those who can, we are encouraging you to commit to work for us to make sure we can continue to support older people and other adults with disabilities, mental health issues and health conditions over the coming months.

“If your current employment is taking a temporary downturn ( for example, if you work in retail, hospitality or tourism or are self-employed); or you have finished further education earlier than anticipated; or you are looking for temporary employment to support you with immediate income; or you're just keen to do your bit to help the county, then please apply immediately.”

The council works with adults of all ages from 18 upwards who may be frail or have multiple health conditions; people with learning and physical disabilities; and people with mental health issues, including dementia. We also work to support family carers.

“There are many ways in which people can work and there is no requirement for specific experience or expertise in social care to help. Full training and support will be provided. If you are caring and compassionate and willing to get stuck in, we will have a role for you,” said Cllr Harrison, “contact us now, because your support is critical!"

The type of ways in which people can help may include:

• Cooking meals and preparing snacks and drinks;
• General housekeeping;
• Driving to collect supplies, shopping and delivering vital equipment;
• Helping people to get washed and dressed or get ready for bed;
• Conversation and companionship and social activities - in person or by telephone or online;
• Helping with physical activity;
• Helping people to use technology so they can keep connected and keep well;
• Accredited counselling and therapeutic skills; and
• Organisation, co-ordination and administration - getting things done!

As the council responds to the pandemic, there will be flexibility in the provision of services: face-to-face where necessary in people’s homes, whether they live alone or live in a care home or an extra care housing scheme; in short breaks or day services and out in the community (with due precautions taken to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection). The help could also be online or by telephone where that works better for people.

As the response will be 24/7 people can consider availability for a variety of hours and times.

Please Note:

• People can register their interest and apply straight away. If successful, the council hopes to start people in jobs within one week after quick clearance checks.
• Please go to www.northyorks.gov.uk/careandsupport

If people are interested in care and support as a new career the county council can look to consider permanent work too.