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Nearly 100 people interested in entering the adult social care profession attended a special event organised by Falkirk Health & Social Care Partnership on Monday, March 18th.

The event, held in Forth Valley College, provided high school pupils, college students and a group of visiting Norwegian students with an insight into the world of care.

During the afternoon - held the day before World Social Work Day - representatives from across the partnership - including Homecare, the Sensory Centre, Locality Community Care teams, Learning Disability team. Community Hospital and Care Homes - gave three minute talks on their roles and why they work in care.

Attendees were then invited to take part in quick informal one-to-one sessions with the professionals to gain a better understanding of the different jobs available in the sector.

On the day, Eileen Bennie spoke about her career journey, which began 24 years ago when she took on a part-time job at a private care home to earn extra income. Eileen has since taken on various full-time positions in local authority care homes before becoming an SVQ Assessor within the Training and Workforce Development Team.

She said: “I’d never envisaged a career in social care but I am glad the opportunity arose to move into the sector as it is very rewarding. I’ve always been ambitious, gaining professional qualifications and undertaking training whenever possible throughout my career, and the Council has supported me at every stage.

“Because I want to ensure the level of care provided to service users is consistently high, and that others in the workforce realise their own potential, I now support Modern Apprentices’ and casual and permanent staff in care homes for older people gain professional qualifications to advance their own careers in social care.

“I would encourage anyone thinking of working within the adult social care sector to get in touch with Falkirk Council to find out what opportunities are available and the support you can get to have a fulfilling career working in care.”

Representatives from Workforce Development, Mobile Emergency Care Service, Housing with Care, Social Work students and CVS Volunteering service were also in attendance at the event.

Patricia Cassidy HSCP Chief officer added: “We are delighted to work with Forth Valley College to showcase the range of opportunities to work in the care sector locally.  As we are integrate health and social care in Falkirk, we can provide support and training for people to join our workforce and to build a career in the caring professions.”

For more information on World Social Work Day visit the International Federation of Social Workers website.

To find out more about career opportunities in Social Work Adult Services email socialservicetraining@falkirk.gov.uk.