A RECRUITMENT drive has been launched across the North West for adult care workers to help care for the elderly at home and in care, and free up space in hospitals.

With the coronavirus outbreak putting increased pressure on hospital wards with limited numbers of beds available, local authorities are on a big push to show people the benefits of working in the sector, and hire more carers in the short-term to deal with the crisis and beyond.

The push, called the Care Hero Campaign, looks to highlight the benefits of working in the adult social care sector.

The application website for positions in Bolton says: “Your borough needs you. This is a time of great uncertainty and, undoubtedly, there will be tough times ahead.

“Now more than ever we need to look after the most vulnerable members of our communities.

“Bolton Council is making the call for you to join us as the UK battles through its worse health crisis of a generation.”

The campaign is being run, in conjunction with local authorities, by the North West Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), who say they are on a “mission to recruit people across the region to support adult social care services during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic”.

Councils across the North West have said they have seen a reduction of up to 50 per cent in staff numbers due to factors relating to Covid-19.

ADASS is therefore looking to recruit key sector workers, from care workers in residential homes to care workers in people’s own homes, as well as cooks, cleaners and more.

Delyth Curtis, regional vice-chair, said: “There is a real issue mounting across Adult Social Care so we have joined together to launch this much-needed recruitment campaign.

“With an estimated one-in-four workers likely to be furloughed in the UK, there is a huge number of people with incredible skills that would be greatly valued within Adult Social Care right now.

“These are incredibly fulfilling and rewarding roles supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities when they need it most.”

Cllr Andrew Morgan, executive cabinet member for adult social care in Bolton, and who owns a private care home, Bakewells, also believes this campaign is crucial for the social care service at this time.

He said: “Now more that ever we need people to join the Social Care Sector and help us to look after some of Bolton’s most vulnerable residents.

“This campaign is aimed at recruiting staff to our local care workforce both in the home care sector and within residential settings, not only now but also in the future.

“Social Care is a very rewarding sector to work in, and now more than any other time people are starting to understand what the role entails and also how vital it is for our town and country.

“If you think you have what it takes to be a great and compassionate carer, come and join our army of amazing staff locally and make a difference.”

For more information about the campaign, visit greater.jobs.