Social Care Staff Make a Difference
October 15, 2007
A staggering 440 social care staff from across Rhondda Cynon Taf have celebrated attaining qualifications - and heard first hand the massive difference they make in the lives of others.
The staff received their NVQ certificates and degree diplomas from Cllr Annette Davies, Cabinet member for Equality and Children’s Services, at Rhondda Heritage Park on October 9. Councillor John David, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, was also at the event to commend their achievements.
As well as being praised for their achievements, which demonstrate their commitment to their work, the staff heard from clients who highlighted how important the profession is.
Rachel Williams and Sharon Clack bravely took to the stage to describe the impact mental illnesses had on their lives, leaving them housebound, isolated and in and out of hospital.
Thanks to the wide range of social care staff who invest their time and expertise in the women, they have stabilised their illnesses and now live healthy, positive and fulfilling lives.
Both women say their dramatic new lives are as a result of the respect and support they are shown by their carers. They praised the staff for concentrating on the positive and treating them as people and not illnesses.
Following the moving speeches, broadcaster, writer and presenter Beverley Humphries, who is chairwoman of the Pontypridd Homelessness Project, addressed the staff.
She said the determination of staff to attain qualifications is a demonstration of their commitment not only to bettering themselves and improving social care, but also to clients, making them feel worthwhile.
She explained how she lives in conflicting areas, on one hand being surrounded by celebrities who often secure glittering headlines for doing very little and on the other working with vulnerable people who only feature in the media when there is scandal.
And she made it clear the issues faced by social care clients – the elderly, infirm, families, children, adults and those with mental illness – could affect any of us at any time.
She concluded: “I am proud of the way everyone is working together in Rhondda Cynon Taf and believe the effort that staff are putting into attaining qualifications means they are not only bettering the service, but are also making a statement that social care clients are worth that effort.
“I believe everyone should be treated as equals, with respect, compassion and dignity and I am full of admiration for your work.”
Cllr Davies said: “It was a pleasure to attend this event and see so many staff from the Council and its partner agencies receive the qualifications they have worked so hard for.
“It is by having well-trained, committed and professional staff such as this that social care can continue to improve and deliver a better service.
Cllr David said: “We heard the stories of two of our many thousands of clients and it was moving to hear just how much of an impact you can have on the life of someone when you work in social care.
“Well done to everyone who has attained qualifications, we continue to celebrate more achievements year on year and long may this continue.”
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