THOUSANDS of people across Worthing and the surrounding area have enjoyed a better life thanks to a small team of dedicated volunteers who started the Worthing Council of Social Service, now known as Guild Care, back in April 1933.

Effie Methold, Frank Cave, Arthur Linfield, the Reverent E. Arthur Haviland and many others joined together in order to create a kinder, more caring society.

Working as a team, they persuaded local people to pledge money for those in need.

This meant that, well ahead of the ‘Welfare State’ in 1948, Worthing was leading the way with free school milk, free dental treatment for adolescents, grants and loans to those facing financial hardship, a soup kitchen, legal aid, subsidised or free footwear for those on low incomes and a rest cottage.

From those very small beginnings over eight decades ago, Guild Care is one of the largest employers in Worthing.

With the help of over 600 staff and amazing support from over 250 volunteers, it is able to support over 3,000 people every year.

Guild Care now runs three care homes, specialising in dementia, nursing and residential care, as well as, providing over 30 community services for people aged from five to 105.

It also has nine charity shops around the local area which raise vital funds to enable the services to continue to run.

As it celebrates its 85th year, Guild Care is expanding its services and looking to recruit more people to work in its care homes.

Guild Care is looking for colourful, vibrant and caring people to join its team.

You don’t need any previous experience in the care sector as full training will be give, just a caring attitude and a big heart.

So why choose care as a career?

Debbie Dollner, Chief Operating Officer, at Guild Care, explains why in the current economic climate and the fact that Worthing has the second oldest population in the UK, she believes joining the care sector now is a great opportunity for someone who’s never considered it before.

Debbie said: “Just look at the high street, major retailers are really struggling with so many announcements that shops are closing down.

“If you want a career that really makes a difference to people’s lives, and makes you feel good about coming to work, come and work in care, there will always be a job for you and it’s a really rewarding career.

“We have three fabulous care homes looking after over 150 people in total and we need more and more carers to help us provide first class quality care.

“Make care a career choice, there really are lots of opportunities for you to work your way up the ladder.

“Leona, our manager at Caer Gwent, started off doing the night shift and is now running the place!

And you don’t need a background in care, just the right attitude to be a success.

Before joining Haviland House, Nick was a manager at Asda.

He said: “I just wanted to do something completely different, a job that would give me a buzz, instead of doing 14 hours just to pay the bills.

“I’m kind hearted and I just love what I’m doing.

“Every day is different and the best thing about this role is making people smile.”

For more information on care homes or job opportunities at Guild Care visit www.guildcare.org or call Worthing 528600.