Sunderland Carers Score 700 NVQs

In almost everyone’s life there will come a point when they need support and help with every day living. The ravages of old age, physical or mental disability in both adults and children, mean hundreds of carers across Wearside are needed each day to make sure there is always someone on hand.

This month the Tyne and Wear Care Alliance is celebrating the fact that more than 700 people across the city have passed vital NVQ exams, making sure carers in Sunderland remain a skilled workforce.

Jackie Henderson, NVQ co-ordinator in the city, said: “It is fabulous to think that 700 people have trained to qualify to care for others.” She said the care industry is one which is growing and there are a lot of jobs and careers which cover a huge range.

Jackie said: “There is a lot of scope in the care industry for people to progress with their careers. Someone could start as a domestic and by studying and working hard become managers.”

The Tyne and Wear Care Alliance is a project backed by Sunderland City Council, which offers training and support to the growing number of carers within the social care industry. It offers practical support to promote workforce development within the independent care sector.

Jackie said: “The independent care sector in Sunderland cares for some of our most vulnerable citizens so recruiting and training the right people is essential.”

To recognise the achievements of the 700-plus people who have passed their NVQs a celebration evening will be held at The Roker Hotel in April. The Tyne and Wear Care Alliance has been in business for three years and works in partnership with 647 employers across Tyne and Wear representing all areas of the care sector.

Later this month the alliance is hoping to launch a project in the urban areas including Hetton, Houghton, Murton and Easington. The aim of this scheme will be to help 30 young unemployed people, aged between 19 to 24 years old, to get work in the care sector by offering training to NVQ level 2 and a work placement for a year.

Carers become involved with the industry for many different reasons and provide care in a range of settings such as in people’s own homes, in supported living centres, residential or nursing homes.