Care to Make a Difference

A DVD promoting health and social care as the pathway to a life changing career for young people has been launched in Neath Port Talbot.

The promotional film has been produced by the Council's Training and Development Section in partnership with Neath Port Talbot College, the Neath Port Talbot 14-19 Network and the Regional Social Care in Partnership.

The film features a number of interviews with people working across the social care sector including Homecare, Residential Care, Social Work, volunteering, anti-social behaviour outreach work and tutors and students from the Neath Port Talbot College School of Health and Social Care where, they are studying on a National Diploma in Health & Social Care [Health Studies]. This is a 2 year programme which has 400 hours of work experience working with the elderly, children and individuals with specific needs. The interviewees included were chosen to appeal to a younger audience and each delivers a key message.

In addition to looking at the service areas provided the film covers topics such as career choices and prospects, enabling and helping vulnerable people, care in the home environment, as well as issues relating to maintaining dignity and empowerment. The film aims to promote the variety and training available in the care sector.

The DVD will be circulated to members of the Neath Port Talbot Social Care Workforce Development Partnership and will be made available as a recruitment resource to other local partnerships across Wales.

Councillor Ali Thomas, Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council said:

"Neath Port Talbot has a proud tradition of providing high quality care to people of all ages.

"In order to maintain this level of provision it is essential that we support the recruitment to and retention of staff within the sector. To do this we need to promote a positive image of social care and position the sector as one which offers excellent career paths and opportunities.

"This DVD will be an excellent resource in helping to achieve this."

Copies of the DVD are available by contacting the Training & Development Section on 01792 510701 or email training.admin@npt.gov.uk