Having recently launched its its own home-care service, North Tyneside Council is taking part in a national care recruitment drive as it looks to put in place a 40-strong team of carers.
Borough leaders are also encouraging people to apply for jobs in the independent care sector as part of the national Made With Care campaign, as the industry continues to face huge staffing and recruitment problems.
The council said it had already hired 25 new staff for its own new service - and the aim was to have a team of 40 in place.
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One of North Tyneside's new recruits is Connor Jaggs - who was inspired to sign up and switch careers in memory of his mum Trisha. He used to work for a mobile phone company.
Trisha died of bowel cancer aged just 56, and Connor had spent many years looking after her since her diagnosis when he was just 14.
"I know first-hand how important extra support is for people and their families as they try to keep living as independent lives as possible despite the challenges they may face," he said.
"The support my mam had gave her confidence to keep doing the things she wanted for as long as she could and I’ll always be grateful for that.
"At first, I thought I couldn’t do it as a job, as it would be too hard after losing her. But now I feel ready to make the change and I want to feel I am making a difference to someone’s life, even if it is in a small way."
He said he was really enjoying the role - and had even been using his bike to get out to home visits.
"Every day is different as everyone has different needs and it’s nice to see how even just having a chat with someone can bring a smile to their face. You always go home at the end of the day and know that your work means something.
"It’s also been good to hear about all the different career options available as there are such a wide range of roles in social care."
The flexibility of the role also appealed to young mum Perrie Douglas.
Perrie, who is able to fit working round the school run, was also inspired by the care a family member received. She said: "I used to work in the hotel sector, but when my gran became poorly, I saw what a difference her carers made to her life and I thought 'I want to do that.'
"It’s so rewarding to think you have helped to make a difference to their day and it’s lovely when you see them grow in confidence."
The council's home care staff use an app to plan their days - and the jobs they do can range from preparing meals and taking somebody on an outing to providing personal care and giving medicines.
Norma Redfearn CBE, elected mayor of the borough, said jobs in care could be "life-changing" and added: "The Covid-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the vital role of our wonderful carers in our society and how they are a lifeline for many of our most vulnerable residents.
"We have vacancies across our social care teams and with our providers – from people starting out in their careers, to those looking for the next step on the career ladder – or even a complete career change."
Ashleigh McDine works as a personal assistant for the EveryDay Care & Support organisation which is owned by the charity Age UK North Tyneside. She's based at the Rowan Croft wellbeing centre in Killingworth and she said she'd encourage anyone considering working in adult social care to "go for it".
She said: "The place is buzzing. It’s a real hub of activity for older adults. You name it we do it: hairdressing, nail painting, exercising, Pilates, cake decorating. We also offer bathing services for those unable to bathe at home and always lots of chatting.
"Watching a customer go from being lonely, quiet, withdrawn and apprehensive about attending, to smiling and laughing and having a good time is very rewarding. It gives them a sense of purpose again and they look forward to coming. Some don’t even want to leave and that’s what it’s all about."
