Looking for Hertfordshire’s Everyday Heroes

By Clare Bourke on January 20th 2012

Hertfordshire County Council has kicked off the 'Everyday Heroes' campaign, looking to recruit up to 200 flexible support workers.

The new staff are being recruited to work in supported living and day service units county-wide, supporting vulnerable adults with learning disabilities in their daily lives and helping them become as independent as possible. Candidates can be experienced care workers or maybe someone who has had life experience caring for a relative or friend.

Colette Wyatt-Lowe, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care, said: ‘Very often it's the little things that make a difference - maybe some help with laundry or cooking. A bit of support and encouragement can go a long way in helping people with learning disabilities lead full, independent lives. We are looking for some 'Everyday Heroes' who can provide that support.’

Flexible support worker Pete Brathwaite gets a great deal of satisfaction from the role. He said: ‘I do notice how much more confident and independent service users become as a result of the quality time and support that we are able to give them. It does really make the job worthwhile. It may only be food shopping, helping them tidy or clean their room or even preparing a meal. Even something as simple as spending time having a general chat about everyday stuff is appreciated.’

The flexible support workers will have the opportunity to work hours that suits the service and their own personal life. They will be contracted to work a minimum of seven hours per week but can work up to 37 hours per week if required.  There may also be a need to work weekends, bank holidays, as well as week day shifts.

There are 'Everyday Heroes' open days across Hertfordshire over the next few weeks. Interested people can come along and speak to someone about the roles or get further information on applying. Call 01992 531903 to book an appointment: 

• Stevenage: Wednesday 25 January 10am – 3pm
• Letchworth: Friday 27 January 10am – 1pm
• Hoddesdon: Friday 3 February 10am – 1pm
• Hemel Hempstead: Thursday 9 February 10am – 3pm
• St Albans: Friday 10 February 10am – 1pm
• Welwyn Garden City: Wednesday 29 February 10am - 3pm
• Bishop’s Stortford: Thursday 8 March 10am – 1pm

To find out more about 'Everyday Heroes' go to www.hertsdirect.org/everydayheroes

To request an application pack please email hcc.perm.recruit@manpower.co.uk or call 01992 531903 quoting Everyday Heroes Campaign.

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