A RECRUITMENT campaign has been launched to meet the “urgent” demand for carers across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

BCP Council is highlighting the work of existing staff in a bid to encourage people to come forward to fill a number of existing vacancies in its adult social care department.

More than eight per cent of all the positions available at care providers operating across the conurbation are unfilled.

The social media-based campaign features carers working in a range of roles and particularly focuses on the importance of their roles during the coronavirus pandemic.

It has been launched in response to the difficulty filling roles in the sector with a vacancy rate of 8.5 per cent across organisations that work in partnership with the council.

And it comes at the same time as a nationwide recruitment drive was launched by the government.

Difficulties in recruiting carers have been reported across the country for a number of years and concerns have previously been raised by local authorities in Dorset. A 2018 Poole council report described the situation as a “crisis” both locally and nationally.

Skills for Care CEO Oonagh Smyth said it was “absolutely vital” vacant roles were filled.

Amongst the carers who have agreed to take part in BCP Council’s new campaign is Nicole, a healthcare assistant at Richmondwood Care Home in Bournemouth.

“I am proud to be a carer because we can give our residents comfort and reassurance during this lockdown and outbreak,” she said. “With their families unable to visit, we make sure they feel loved, cared for and part of a family on a daily basis and to me that’s what matters the most.”

Cabinet member for adult social care, councillor Lesley Dedman, said: “Our care providers urgently need more care workers to join them.

“All of our care workers, including those who go out to vulnerable residents in their own home as well as staff in our residential homes do an incredibly challenging but rewarding job.

“I’m so proud of the work they do to ensure our vulnerable people are kept safe.

“By hearing the compassion and dedication of our care workers, particularly during these very difficult times, I hope will encourage more people to consider a career in care.”

More information can be found at bcpcouncil.gov.uk/proudtocare