Council Leader, Councillor Kevin Guy has personally thanked care workers for their commitment and hard work in looking after some of Bath and North East Somerset's most vulnerable residents during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Guy was joined by Councillor Alison Born, cabinet member for Adult Services, as he visited the council's Cleeve Court care home in Twerton to meet both staff and residents.

Councillor Guy said: "Our care workers were on the front line during the peak of the pandemic, and many made significant personal sacrifices to care for others. As we learn to live with Covid they face ongoing challenges, yet continue to provide personal, dedicated care to make a real difference to people's lives. They are truly inspirational and I want them to know that their amazing work is valued not only by us at the council, but by the hundreds of people and families whose lives they touch.

"It was humbling to meet the staff at Cleeve Court and I was moved to hear from Jan Copp and Nicky Jones who have clocked up more than 25 years' service between them as night support workers.

"As our population ages we need more people like Jan and Nicky to care for the growing number of older people who need support. It's why, with our partners, we launched our Proud to Care recruitment campaign. We've had a fantastic response already and I'd urge anyone considering a career in the care sector to have a look at the website."

Councillor Alison Born added: "Care workers perform a vital role in the health and social care system and make such a difference to people's lives. Over the past eighteen months they've really gone above and beyond, and we appreciate everything they have done to look after others in the most testing of times.

"Caring can be a really fulfilling and emotionally rewarding career. There are lots of different roles available depending on what you want to do, who you want to work with and where you'd like to work. You could work in a care home, in the community or in someone's home.

"The Proud to Care website lists dozens of local care jobs from nursing, caring, hospitality, maintenance and housekeeping, to admin, leadership, catering and corporate roles. It's a fantastic resource if you want a career where you can make a real difference."

In support of the Proud to Care campaign, the council is organising and attending a series of recruitment events. The first in the Guildhall on September 21 was attended by more than 20 employers and we know of five people who have already started in a new role as a result.

The council also recently attended the University of Bath Virtual Recruitment Event and is planning another face-to-face event at Midsomer Norton Town Hall with local providers on Friday 21 January (10am-2pm).

To search for care jobs across Bath and North East Somerset visit: proudtocare.bathnes.gov.uk. Full details of the January jobs fair will be added to the website shortly.

To hear the first-hand real-life experiences of care workers across Bath & North East Somerset visit our YouTube Channel HERE: their site