OKEHAMPTON is the first town in the county to host a Proud to Care, Health and Care Jobs Fair, and the response from the public has been very positive, says organisers Devon County Council.

The event was organised by the council as part of a campaign, Proud to Care Devon, to encourage more people to consider careers in health and social care, or volunteering opportunities in the health and care sector. Held in the Charter Hall on Wednesday last week, it was opened by new town mayor Councillor Janet Carpenter.

AIso attending were local health and care employers, some with current vacancies, as well as organisations providing careers advice, and information about childcare for parents wishing to return to work. Okehampton College also had a presence, providing information for young people about their range of courses that can lead to health and social care careers.

Among the attendees were care workers who described why they chose health and social care as a career. Grace Farrelly, 18, attended Okehampton College before beginning a career as a care support worker with Okehampton-based Lyndridge Care. 

Grace said: ‘Both my parents work in health and social care, so from a young age I’ve learnt how to interact with a variety of different people with a range of disabilities, and found that it was something I enjoyed and seems to come naturally to me.

‘I was originally looking for part-time work to support my college course, but realised that it was something I wanted to do full-time. I began on a temporary basis, but now have a full-time contract.

‘I started by shadowing and learning from skilled staff, and have since undertaken training – including safeguarding, moving and handling, emergency first aid and more – and am in the process of completing my care certificate. I’m presently going through my medication training and competency checks, and am looking forward to taking part in conflict resolution and de-escalation training. I’m also waiting to start my Level 2 Diploma in Care.’

Grace is hoping to go on to do Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care.

‘I’m enjoying being a support worker and learning from everyone around me, and understanding individual’s specific needs and how to support and enable them best,’ she said. ‘In future, I would really like to branch out and to gain experience and training in working with children with learning disabilities in a school environment.’

Okehampton county councillor Kevin Ball said: ‘It was a real privilege to hear all of the stories from health and care workers who described the roles that they have and why they find their jobs so rewarding. Devon, like everywhere, has a shortage of people working in the health and care sector specifically, so it’s great to hear of examples like Grace who studied locally and is working locally to provide care to vulnerable residents. 

‘I’m really keen to encourage more Okehampton residents to consider ways that they can contribute to life in the town and in the surrounding areas, either through employment or volunteering.’