Hundreds rally to help care for Devon’s vulnerable residents

Hundreds of people from across Devon have answered the call to help care for the county’s most vulnerable residents.

It followed an appeal last week by Devon County Council, as it launched an urgent campaign to recruit Healthcare Assistants – a vital role to support social care providers and the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

Around 600 people have so far registered their interest, including students, college leavers, retired health professionals and people who are not working. Members of the County Council’s own staff have also registered, to be redeployed from non-critical services, to support frontline care roles.

The first group of trainees began their training today, Monday 6 April, with a three-day fast-track course, delivered by DCC’s Workforce Development Team and the Proud to Care team.

The trainee healthcare assistants are being taught new skills by a team of experienced social workers and health and care professionals. Once trained the new recruits will be deployed to a variety of settings including people’s homes, hospitals and care homes.

They will support people with their personal care needs including eating, drinking and washing. This will reduce the pressure on existing health and care staff.

Councillor Andrew Leadbetter, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Health and Social Care said: “At a time of national crises and with services under huge strain, I am proud to say that hundreds of people have stood up and said that they want to help.
“Thank you to everyone who has signed up. Healthcare Assistants will play a vital role in our care homes, hospitals and in our communities over the coming weeks and months, and I’m in no doubt that they will help save lives. We are still looking to recruit more people and if you want to make a difference and have a chance to help others please register your details on the Proud to care website.”