We would like to say a big thank you to all our Ambassadors who have attended events over recent months. September to December is our busiest time with 24 events at schools, colleges, universities and job centres during this period. We’ve covered every event! Thank you to our committed Ambassadors for taking the time to talk about the wonderful work you are all doing and to encourage people to join the care and health workforce!

We’d love to see you at our next networking event in Exeter on 30 January. The event will be a fun afternoon for existing Ambassadors from 12.30pm – 3pm involving interactive activities run by our Ambassadors and the chance to hear Ambassadors sharing their stories! If you are a new Ambassador then induction will take place in the morning session from 9.30 am.  Please let us know if you can attend by emailing proudtocare@devon.gov.uk

When I was 15 my Grandma was living in our local care home; I wanted to spend more time with her so I got a job there as a kitchen assistant at weekends. I enjoyed spending time with the residents so much, after leaving school I started working at the same care home and completed a level 3 Health and Social Care qualification.
I decided to leave the care sector when I was 18 and try something different; care work was all I knew so I felt I should try something else. After working as an Estate Agent for several months I missed care work so much. I returned to the same care home who supported me to complete a level 5 management programme and I then progressed to become the training manager.
I then moved on to my current role as Wellbeing Facilitator at a domiciliary care company. In this role I create and deliver wellbeing sessions and activities in the community. This can be anything from beach walks and craft sessions, to mocktail making and school children coming to visit. The sessions are fun and interactive, and most importantly they improve health and wellbeing and help to combat loneliness.
My passion is to make a difference and make people smile. Something that seems small to us, can mean so much for someone else.
Taking the time to talk to someone, can make someone’s day.

Careers Advice - During October and November, alongside Proud To Care, we have visited Park School and Petroc . We have also visited Bideford College to provide Careers Advice sessions for year 10 students who are considering a career in health.  In the next few months, we will be attending Park School and Braunton Academy for careers talks.

Project Search - our partnership scheme that aims to enable adults with learning difficulties to find paid employment featured on BBC Spotlight.

Work Experience Week for Year 10 students - Applications are now open for the July 2019 work experience week.  This is open to all schools in North Devon. Interviews for this will take place in January/ February 2019.

We will be launching our new apprenticeship video very soon, which has been filmed in house and highlights some of our own students that are undertaking the apprenticeship programme.

National Apprenticeship Week 4 – 8 March 2019 - We are planning a week of activities which will involve a celebration event for Apprentices, past and present, plus  a schools event, watch this space!  We would welcome ambassadors to come along and speak to staff about apprenticeships and career opportunities.  If you would like to be involved, please email lucywarner1@nhs.net