A CARE worker has joined a national campaign to invite people to consider a career change.
Sahara Henery has joined ‘Care for others. Make a Difference’ hoping that she can inspire other young people to consider a job in social care.
Research found that one in four people are looking for a new and more fulfilling career. It has also been found that many people across the UK made a profession switch during the pandemic.
Originally studying for a degree in psychology at the University of Bristol, Sahara changed her career path after a work placement as a project worker and care provider at the Brighton and Hove Foyer, which provides homeless young people in need with supported living.
The 24-year-old said: “Despite originally wanting to go into psychology, I enjoy working in social care so much, I have ended up going down the project worker route full-time.
“You can come into work and think you are going to have a quiet day of admin then all of a sudden a client will come in and move you and it changes the whole day.
“I have people who are similar ages to myself and we have formed such a tight bond and they rely on me, so when they move on it is so rewarding.”
The campaign plans to show people the value of care work especially after the effects of the pandemic, while also highlighting the different aspects of the job.
She said: “It has been difficult working in care during the pandemic, you are on the frontline with frontline workers, this could make people hesitant on embarking to a career in social care.
“However, it has shown us that there are a lot of jobs that quite replaceable and dispensable in our society, whereas social care has been a job that has remained really valued and important.
“A lot of people are looking for jobs because of the pandemic and I hope the campaign has the impact by showing people how important it is and how it can improve people’s lives.”
The campaign is supported by famous faces Rachel Riley, Arlene Philips and Jo Brand. It was started because research found many people across the UK have made career ‘switches’ over the course of the pandemic.
Over a third (39 per cent) said they have a more positive view of adult social care since the start of the pandemic. There are currently 1.5 million people working in the adult social care sector and over 85 per cent of those said they felt proud to do so.
To find out more visit: everydayisdifferent.com
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