MP backs campaign to raise awareness of the sector's unsung heroes

A campaign being run by Springhill Care Group, which raises awareness of the unsung heroes of the care sector and the dangers it faces, is being taken to Parliament.

Graham Jones, the Labour MP for Hyndburn in Lancashire, is supporting the national care group’s 'Caring Heroes' initiative to highlight the work that is carried out in the sector despite the funding cuts.

The MP has met with senior representatives from Age UK to discuss the adult social care crisis, written to David Mowat, the minister responsible for social care, and is raising a question in Parliament.

He said: "The caring heroes is a very worthwhile campaign. Although the current crisis affects older people across the country, it is hitting poorer, rural constituencies such as Hyndburn the hardest. With ageing populations and insufficient funding from central government, Lancashire County Council is hard-pressed."

An ageing population and the rising cost of services have combined to spark a 'red alert' over the future of care for older people.

While England faces a shortage of 200,000 care workers by the end of this Parliament, The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services estimates that there is a current funding gap of £1bn a year.

In Lancashire, the county council faces a funding gap in adult social services of £26m, which could rise to £92m by 2021. Its leaders have called on the Government to address the 'unsustainable funding crisis'.

Springhill Care Group launched the Caring Heroes initiative in 2016, aiming to raise the profile of care staff across the UK who often go the 'extra mile' to support older people, those who are vulnerable or seriously ill.

Donna Briggs, managing director of Springhill Care, believes employees in the social care sector are working in an industry which is increasingly "underfunded and undervalued".

She said: "We are trying to highlight the issues on behalf of our employees and all of those working in the care sector and we appreciate this support from Mr Jones.

"Our concern extends to the gaps in skills and how we are going to fill them based on current needs and the projections into the future."

She added: "It’s often said that people are the key to any business, and this is certainly true of the care sector. Too often the great work being done by staff isn’t talked about and these caring heroes don’t get their time in the spotlight as they deserve.

"The Caring Heroes campaign aims to change this, and put people firmly at front and centre of the care sector."

Springhill Care Group Ltd is a provider of quality nursing, residential, rehabilitation, dementia, day care and supported living services for adults. It operates three care homes, Springhill in Accrington, Birch Green in Skelmersdale and Riversway in Bristol.

The group also provide specialist supported living services to young adults living with disabilities in the community.