A £200,000 funding scheme to support existing care workers through the winter, has been launched locally.
The funding will be paid directly to local home care providers who provide council-funded packages so that they can pass it on to staff who are working this Christmas
Southend-on-Sea Borough Council continues to be committed to supporting local care providers while they face widespread staffing challenges which are being experienced nationally.
Working closely with our local providers enables the council to have a clear understanding of the needs and the support the home care sector requires in order to keep staff in the industry, particularly after a difficult 18 months.
The fund will be passed directly onto care workers through staff costs which include paying incentives, bonuses, childcare costs, and bank holidays.
Cllr Cheryl Nevin, cabinet member for adult social care and health integration, said; “The COVID 19 pandemic has brought many challenges for the social care sector.
“Nationally and locally, we have seen the home care sector facing challenges around staffing levels which has had a huge impact on the availability of care and support across the country due to recruitment and retainment issues.
“Therefore, this local funding initiative which targets the home care sector will not only support these specific providers but also recognise the staff who deliver the service within the local community.
“With the funding being dedicated to staff, it shows we acknowledge and value the hard work they do for local residents and in turn will go a long way to help us do more to support this specific sector.”