Caring Heroes Winning Support

The initiative to highlight the unseen work conducted behind the scenes by care workers is gathering widespread support from the industry including the leading organisation Care England.

Springhill Care Group, with three homes in Lancashire and Bristol, is highlighting the unsung heroes of social care who often go the extra mile for older people, the vulnerable and seriously ill.

Professor Martin Green, Chief Executive of Care England, says: “It is important that the outstanding contributions of care providers, for the people who live in care services, is better understood and acknowledged by the wider society.

“Every day care services make a real difference to people’s lives and this amazing work often goes unrecognised. We need to see the care sector championed and acknowledged for the difference it makes to millions of lives.”

Working on behalf of small, medium and large providers, Care England members include single care homes, small local groups, national providers and not-for-profit voluntary organisations and associations. Between them, they provide a diverse range of services for older people and those with long-term conditions, learning disabilities or mental health problems.

Donna Briggs, managing director of Springhill Care, said: “Highlighting the good work that goes on behind the scenes is something we are passionate about, and it’s good that others see it that way too.

“At a time of dwindling resources, it never ceases to amaze me how those in the care industry still go the extra mile to make sure that vulnerable people are looked after. We should also recognise that to continue to deliver high quality care, the training and development of staff has never been more important.”

The number of people employed carrying out social care duties in England is estimated at 1.48 million, including full and part-time work.

Springhill Care Group is inviting those with an interest in the issue to join the conversation on Twitter by using the hashtag #caringheroes.