Released On 4th Aug 2023
Professional Care Workers’ Week 2023
The Care Workers’ Charity (CWC) is gearing up to host Professional Care Workers’ Week 2023, a celebration of people who care for others. Marking the week’s sixth consecutive year, The CWC aims to spotlight the invaluable contributions made by care workers while advocating for their recognition as skilled professionals.
Even though its primary mission is that of a benevolent fund, The CWC also campaigns on behalf of care workers. It actively campaigns for care workers’ rights, striving to improve their working conditions and social standing. Through a multifaceted approach, The CWC demands better funding for the care sector and urges fairer wages for care workers as a national expectation.
Professional Care Workers' Week 2023 challenges the misconception that care work is a low-skilled profession. Karolina Gerlich, Chief Executive Officer of The CWC, speaks from personal experience as a former care worker, 'Care workers are skilled professionals, and it’s important that we see them as such. I know first-hand how many skills society unjustly perceives as soft skills.
'Compassion, empathy and patience are as important as clinical and organisational skills in care work. It takes an expert blend of all these attributes to excel in the caregiving field and provide top-quality support to those who draw on social care.'
From the 18th to the 22nd of September, The CWC will host a program of panels and sessions. These talks will feature care workers, care managers and other influential figures from the adult social care sector. The virtual format ensures accessibility to attendees across the UK, and participation is free to attend.
The CWC is encouraging everyone, within and outside the sector, to participate in the event. Attendees can contribute in various ways, such as attending talks, raising funds, or hosting individual celebrations to honour their colleagues.
On Thursday 21st September, the charity is asking people to host Afternoon Tea for CWC. This can be a virtual meetup with friends or colleagues over a cup of tea or a big tea party in your care home, home care office, or other care services. In addition, there will be an all-day walk along the South Downs on Friday 22nd September. The funds raised during these activities will directly support care workers, providing crisis grants and counselling services.
For more information and to participate in Professional Care Workers’ Week 2023, visit the official website of The Care Workers’ Charity.
In other news, a letter from the Minister of State for Social Care has been published, setting out Government's priorities for the sector this winter.