A NEW nationwide campaign to support the recruitment of more adult social care workers has launched at county charity Leuchie House.

Leuchie House, located near North Berwick, is Scotland’s national respite centre, offering care and short stays for those living with neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis and stroke.

The campaign – titled ‘There’s More to Care than Caring’ – will raise awareness of the career opportunities available in adult social care and encourage people to apply.

It will include radio, outdoor and digital advertising, highlighting the important work done by adult social care workers, with Leuchie employees starring in the campaign.

The campaign is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to attract more people to work in adult social care, retain existing staff and raise its status as a profession.

This builds on a pay uplift for all adult social care staff which guarantees them a minimum of at least £10.90 an hour from April.

Mark Bevan, CEO at Leuchie House, was delighted to see Leuchie staff take part in the campaign and stressed how important it was to encourage those in the care sector.

He said: “Working in adult social care is a way to make a real difference to the lives of adults from different backgrounds who need support.

“It’s a hugely rewarding job that offers real career progression if you want it.

“Sue, who is one of our colleagues featuring in the campaign, joined us as a housekeeper 10 years ago. We supported Sue through her career as she moved on to becoming a care assistant and then through her studies to become a qualified nurse.

“Investing in our people is key to them delivering excellent service to our guests.”

Jim Liddle, 44, from Dunbar, has worked at Leuchie for 17 years and stressed how great a career working in care was.

He said: “I love my job, it’s different every day and I get to make a real difference to people’s lives.

“As I’ve got more experience, I’ve been promoted to offer a bit of help to people who are just starting out in this brilliant career.

“When so many people are being laid off in other sectors, it’s good to know you’ve got a job for life with loads of prospects.”

Kevin Stewart MSP, Minister for Social Care and Mental Wellbeing, said: “Working in adult social care can be challenging but offers the opportunity to have a hugely positive impact on people’s lives on a daily basis.

“We are increasing pay, improving terms and conditions in the sector, and developing clear career pathways for the workforce, ahead of the introduction of the National Care Service.

“This will lead to more rewarding roles for the existing adult social care workforce, and for new entrants to the profession.

“This campaign highlights that, while relevant experience can help, it is core interpersonal skills such as communication, compassion, empathy and respect that are most highly valued. If these are skills you possess then adult social care could be the career for you.”