Posted on: Tuesday 17 November 2020
The coronavirus global pandemic has emphasised the critical role the social care workforce play in supporting Torfaen’s most vulnerable citizens and the need for more people to start a career in the social care sector.
To celebrate the valued contribution of the social care workforce, the latest WeCare Wales campaign is asking local social care providers to share the kind, compassionate and heart-warming stories of the support and care their teams provide.
22-year-old Jade Taylor from Cwmbran started her journey into care back in May 2017 with ISS Healthcare, having previously worked as a shop assistant in a sports shop in Cwmbran.
Founded in 2001, ISS Healthcare provides social care services to hundreds of people living across the South Wales region.
Jade cares for Shaun, a vulnerable adult who has recently returned home from a three year residential placement and suffers from quadriplegic cerebral palsy, learning difficulties and epilepsy.
Initially, living at home presented some challenges for Shaun, which led to Jade completing specialist training to help Shaun manage his Epilepsy and his visual impairment safely at home.
Jade and Shaun have been able to develop a special friendship and through the support received, Shaun is now able to meet his friends, attend cookery classes, music concerts and be the 27 year old he wants to be thanks to Jade’s dedicated and professional support skills and knowledge.
From the care Shaun has been able to receive, his mum is now able to continue her work as a teacher, safe in the knowledge that Shaun is receiving professional care and support that is driven by his aspirations and own sense of well-being.
Executive Member for Adult Services & Housing, Councillor David Daniels said: ‘Social care workers have remained committed to those they support providing a lifeline to our elderly and vulnerable citizens, providing support, comfort and a familiar face.
‘I would like to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication shown by Jade and the care staff at ISS Healthcare, and to all other carers who continue to make a positive difference to vulnerable residents here in Torfaen and across the region, during what has been an incredibly tough six months.’
ISS Healthcare Manager, Marian Guest, said: ‘Good social care and support is all about building relationships and making a positive connection with people.
‘It has been wonderful to see Jade and Shaun build that rapport with each other. Jade’s role is centred on Shaun’s aspirations and wishes, as all good care and support should be.’
Gwent needs hundreds more people like Jade to work in social care to keep pace with growing demand for care and support within our local communities.
If Jade and Shaun’s story has inspired you to consider a career in care then why not contact ISS healthcare to talk about career opportunities. You can email: ravina.goodland@isstorfaen.co.uk or call 01495 759977.
To support and encourage more people to work in the social care sector, the WeCare Wales campaign has been established to raise awareness and understanding of social care, early years and childcare.