Launching across health and local authority social media channels from today, the films will provide day-in-the-life snapshots of the ‘life changing’ work carried out by staff members Calum Hoey and Jill Bell. The film shorts are the latest tranche of a campaign to support ongoing recruitment for South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership’s Care at Home service.

Calum Hoey, pictured top left and Jill Bell, pictured bottom right, star in espresso clips the latest in a series focusing on everyday heroes of the community service.

“What resonates throughout this series is not only the positive impact our home carers have on people’s everyday lives – but how the role has been life changing for those who fulfil it,” said Soumen Sengutpa, Director of Health and Social Care in South Lanarkshire.

“These videos shine a light on two valued staff members who really are representative of the rich human tapestry, the passion and the characters of our Care at Home workforce.”

Calum Hoey was a taxi driver when the pandemic hit and, at the age of 52, he found himself with no work. He successfully applied for a career in Care at Home.

He said: “Just as with the taxi-driving, I love the people I meet.

“They are fascinating to talk to, but it is also wonderful to feel that you are making a difference to their lives. There are practical benefits now, as well, such as the fact that I am now in a pension scheme for the first time in my life, which was a big attraction to me.”

Jill Bell was working in a sports centre when the pandemic struck and lockdown forced the closure of South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture’s facilities, with staff being redeployed to help where they were most needed.

Jill’s never looked back: “In the longer term, I’d love to take the opportunities to further my career while staying in this field. In the meantime, though, I’m just so happy to be going out each day to do this job.

“Because you’re assisting people with tasks they struggle to do or can no longer manage themselves at all, the work you are doing puts life in perspective, and the constant gratitude you receive makes you feel like a super hero.”

Mr Sengupta added: “The effort and commitment of our diverse workforce has been nothing short of superhuman throughout the pandemic.

“They continue to play a crucial role going forward as a vital part of our health and social care services. They are our superheroes.”

The service is recruiting now, and you can find out more:  SLA08839 - Home Carer - | South Lanarkshire | myjobscotland

For more info, visit: slhscp South Lanarkshire Council

Sneak previews:

• In this clip meet Calum and find out how his gift of the gab as a former taxi driver has equipped him well. https://youtu.be/t2QClVP1WuA
• In this clip meet Jill and find out why the terms and conditions suit her family lifestyle. https://youtu.be/-RJEW4pucfE
• More short clips will run, from today, over the next month on NHS Lanarkshire and South Lanarkshire Council’s respective Twitter and Facebook feeds.