Walfinch Southampton staff attend skills bootcamp for carers

Walfinch Southampton's joint managing director Angela Harding, co-managing director Laura Pineiro and deputy care manager Robin Boulter attended the session at Itchen Sixth Form College.

This session was run for adult students currently enrolled in a health and social care skills bootcamp.

Angela said: "They were so enthusiastic about care work and eager to get practical experience."

During the session, the Walfinch team explained that holistic care goes beyond personal care and extends to activities, companionship and the wellbeing of clients.

Laura said: "We explained to students that our care plans are flexible and fitted to each client's needs, so that gives carers a varied job – no two days are alike, which is attractive to many candidates."

The team also elaborated on how a career in care work can lead to careers in care management, or provide a pathway into nursing and other hospital roles.

Walfinch directors shared anecdotes and examples to illustrate their points.

Laura said: “We look after a client with a cavapoo called Bobby.

"Our carer ensures that the client takes her medications, gets coffee, food and shopping – and walks Bobby twice a day, sometimes with the client.

"Recently we took Bobby to the groomers, so he looks even more adorable."

Angela said: "I'm really excited to see the enthusiasm among the students.

"It looks like people are at last waking up to the value of a career in care."

Jo Brooke, director of community education at Itchen Sixth Form College, said: "Angela and Laura, renowned for their expertise in care careers, were deeply impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication shown by our students.

"Their visit highlighted the transformative impact that our Skills Bootcamps are having on aspiring care professionals.”

Angela Harding summed up by saying: "The tide is turning on the image of care work."

The team plans to return to the college to conduct interviews for available job positions at Walfinch.