Social care workers are individuals who help to support, care for, protect and empower people to live as well and as independently as possible.
The’ Social Care-Making a Difference’ campaign has been developed by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council on behalf of the Department of Health as part of its ongoing work to reform Adult Social Care.
The campaign wants to inspire the right people to consider a career in social care and also help the general public gain a greater appreciation and awareness of the role of its skilled and dedicated social care workforce.
Dedicated social care workers like Tony McNally and Okan Ozel - who both work as care assistants at Parkmanor Oaks Care Home - had never considered a career in social care before retraining and believe it is a very rewarding job.
Tony especially wants to encourage more men to consider a career in social care.
“It’s a good sector for a male to be in. The sky really is the limit, where you can go, what you can do.
"There are many different areas where you can work – domiciliary, residential, hospital, wherever you feel you can go – go for it.
“There are so many ways you can go in the care sector. The only way is up.”
'JUST ONE SMILE IS ENOUGHT FOR ME'
Okan, who is originally from Turkey, started out in the hospitality and tourism industry, but his wife encouraged him to embrace his caring nature and try for a job in social care. Having that affinity and bond with older people, that dates back to his childhood in Turkey, he settled in well to his new job. His good listening skills make him popular with residents and he spends time joking and singing with them.
“Just one smile is enough for me from them,” he says.
“If I get one smile I’ve got my gift or reward. Sometimes when I’m off, I’m wondering about my residents. The next day coming to work, I feel excited. They are like family members. I’m excited to see them.”
If you have been inspired by Tony and Okan and want to learn more about a career in social care and the positive difference it makes in people’s lives visit https://niscc.info/social-care-stories/
