North Somerset care worker crowned national winner at Great British Care Awards

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A North Somerset care worker has won the Home Care Worker Award at the National Great British Care Awards, held at the NEC in Birmingham last week (17 March).

Yves Tshomba from Weston-super-Mare was announced the national winner after being nominated by his colleagues and clients at Access Your Care, one of North Somerset Council’s domiciliary care companies.

This award recognises the significant role of the home care worker in consistently providing a high quality standard of care and support, for people living in their own homes.

Yves said: “Winning this award means a lot to me and I feel humbled to be recognised for doing a job that I love. Working in care directly with others means I can make a positive impact on people’s lives.”

Yves added: “Due to our ageing population, there will always be demand for people who can help others stay as independent as possible, whether in their own homes or care homes. It’s not just about assisting people with their daily routines – you’ll be helping them get the most out of each day.”

The council is supporting the Proud to Care campaign to recruit more care workers like Yves across North Somerset, Bristol and South Gloucestershire (BNSSG).

A variety of jobs are on offer which could fit around your life, whether you’re returning to work after a break or looking for a change in career.

Hayley Verrico, North Somerset Council’s Director of Adult Social Care, said: “We’re determined to make sure North Somerset is a place which values diversity and champions inclusivity, broadening understanding of local human stories like Yves’.

“We know how hard colleagues in the independent care sector work, and we are extremely proud of people like Yves’ who do an excellent job in adult social care.”

Hayley continued: “More care workers are urgently needed in North Somerset to help some of our most vulnerable residents. If you’re looking for something new, becoming a care worker could mean a job which warms the heart and makes a real difference in your local community.”

As part of the Proud to Care campaign the council are also going to be speaking to schools / pupils about what it really means to work in the care sector by attending career talks and assemblies.

Some of the most in-demand jobs include working in people’s homes to help them with everyday activities, working in nursing and care homes, supporting someone with a learning disability or mental health condition, or a personal assistant.

If you’re interested in finding out more, North Somerset Council’s Contracts and Commissioning team is holding a Proud to Care recruitment event on Tuesday 4 April, noon to 4.30pm at Parish Wharf Leisure Centre, Portishead.

The event will showcase a wealth of rewarding career choices in the health and social care sector and will present opportunities to those who attend, no matter what skills or experience they may have.

This includes people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, dementia, and mental health. You’ll be supporting people to remain independent their own homes, live in residential or nursing care homes and be part of their community.

You can also get more information and arrange an informal chat about working in care by emailing proudtocare@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Find out more and see the full range of jobs available on the Proud to Care website at www.beproudtocare.co.uk including a heart-warming video featuring Yves.