People considering a career in home care across the Western Isles are being invited to meet those already doing the job and discover what the work is really like.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will hold a Home Care and Reablement recruitment event at Stornoway Town Hall on Thursday, 27 August from 10am until 3.30pm, with a similar event planned for Uist on Tuesday, 29 September.
The service is looking for caring, compassionate and reliable people to join teams helping residents continue living independently in their own homes.
Rather than simply asking people to fill out an application, the Stornoway event will give potential recruits an opportunity to speak directly with existing Home Care staff about the realities and rewards of the job.
The Comhairle’s HR and Employability teams will also be available to provide help with applications and interviews.
Council Leader Paul Steele said:
“This is a chance to take up an extremely rewarding role that is highly valued by the recipients of the service and the wider community.
“The Home Care service is high performing and makes a hugely positive impact on the lives of individuals in our communities.
“If you want to join the team come along to the Comhairle’s recruitment event for a chance to speak to current carers and receive application support and advice.”
Current members of the team have also been explaining why they chose home care and what keeps them doing it.
Iona Macleod said:
“I would genuinely say that homecare is one of the most rewarding jobs you could do.
“If you have a big heart, a caring personality and plenty of humour homecare will be a very rewarding, worthwhile, and meaningful career choice for you.”
Joan O’Donnell said:
“It is very rewarding.
“Knowing you have supported the service user to continue living in their home gives a lot of satisfaction.
“You see them each day and you build up trust with them.
“It’s a good feeling at the end of the day leaving the service user comfortable and happy as possible.”
For Holly Waddington, the difference the service makes to people’s independence is central to the job.
“I feel I am making a difference to someone’s life and being able to provide clients with dignity and the comfort of living in their own home makes it a very rewarding job.”
Danielle Pickard said:
“I would recommend homecare to anyone who genuinely enjoys helping people.
“It’s not always easy, and some days can be challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding careers.
“Every day is different; you meet amazing people and can make a real difference in someone’s life.”
There is no attempt from those already doing the work to pretend that caring is always easy.
What comes through instead is why it matters.
For the people receiving that support, a home carer can be part of the reason they are able to remain in familiar surroundings, retain their independence and continue living within their own community.
Anyone wondering whether that might be the career for them now has an opportunity to go along and talk to the people who know.
