Bluebird Care Shropshire Kick-Starts ‘It’s Time To Care’ Campaign To Attract More People To Work In Care

Local home care provider, Bluebird Care Shropshire, is mounting a campaign to attract more people to work in care.

The ‘It’s Time to Care’ campaign, which was first launched last year, has been kick-started by Bluebird Care in an effort to alleviate the recruitment pressures currently facing the social care sector.  

Although COVID-19 restrictions have been largely lifted across the UK, shortages of Care Assistants continue to affect the industry. 

Bluebird Care Shropshire is therefore looking to raise awareness of the various paths that people take into a career in social care. The home care provider hopes that the ‘Its Time to Care’ Campaign will provoke those who may not be considering a career in care to reflect on if it could be for them. 

As part of the campaign, Bluebird Care Shropshire wanted to celebrate and share the story of Sally Jones, who has demonstrated the potential for development in a different career since joining Bluebird Care Shropshire as a Carer in April 2020.

Sally has become a highly valued member of the Bluebird Care family in the eyes of both team members and customers alike.

However, despite this success, Sally had never worked in social care prior to joining Bluebird Care.

For over 15 years she worked as a Veterinary nurse, before most recently working for her parents on their family farm.

Yet, eager for a change in her career path, Sally Jones made the bold decision to apply to Bluebird Care Shropshire, motivated by the thought of working in a rewarding and caring role.

And, since this point, she has not looked back.  With the support of Bluebird Care, Sally has flourished within the social care sector.

“I have a caring nature. I like meeting people and talking to them. Everyone is different and everyone has a story to tell. You get attached to the people you care for, it’s a bond that builds as the months go on.

“I think to be a carer you need to be a compassionate person. You will go that extra mile if you have kindness and compassion. This is not just a job. You have to care.”

When asked what she values most about working in the care sector, Sally added:

 “I find that being a carer is rewarding. I can see the difference I make. I think you must take pride in what you do if you are going to do it the best you can. Making a difference makes you feel like a better person.

“I look forward to going to work and when I get home, I think: ‘that was a good day.’ The reward for me is making people happy. I’m happy when they are happy.”

Speaking of the campaign, Katy Falconer, Head of People at Bluebird Care, said:

“Each and every Care Assistant at Bluebird Care is different, but they are all ultimately united in their commitment to maximising the wellbeing of our customers. It is this philosophy that binds all those who work in the sector, regardless of age, gender or experience.

“However, with increasing staffing pressures in the UK, we once again need to champion the rewarding careers the social care sector offers in a bid to encourage more to join our industry. We want to showcase the unique people who make-up this sector, whose invaluable work allows others to remain in their own homes, surrounded by their loved ones, in a setting most familiar to them.

“At Bluebird Care, our Care Assistant roles come with security, safety and industry-leading rewards. We aren’t looking for experience or a specific skillset, as we provide full training. Rather, we’re hoping to attract those who hold the core values of compassion, dedication and a commitment to helping others in Shrewsbury, Oswestry and Church Stretton.

Claire Flavell, Director or Care, Bluebird Care Shropshire “Sally is a natural in her caring role. She takes pride in making sure our customers have everything they need when she visits. Although Sally was new to the care sector her naturally caring nature made her perfect for the role and that shows in her delivery of care”.