CENTRAL Devon MP Mel Stride is backing a campaign to recruit 2,000 more care workers urgently needed in the county’s care homes and in elderly people’s own homes.

The county council’s ’Find Your Calling’ campaign is widening the net to encourage people who may never have previously considered a career in care to put themselves forward.

The campaign emphasises that you don’t necessarily need qualifications or previous experience - what’s important are your core skills, your values and your attitudes towards working with people who need care.

Free and flexible training is being offered by education partners across Devon, including Learn Devon, City College Plymouth, South Devon College, Exeter College and Petroc College.

Central Devon MP Mel Stride, pictured left with Devon County Council’s cabinet member for adult and social care James McInnes discussing challenges facing the care sector in Devon, said: ’From the conversations I have had with carers who help to look after people in their own homes, and the visits I have made to local care homes, I constantly hear about how rewarding a career in care can be. Carers are unsung heroes and I would urge anyone thinking about a career change or any young person recently out of education who is unsure what they want to do next to seriously consider a career in care.’ Find out more at www.proudtocaredevon.org.uk/findyourcalling. Applicants will receive a call back and free one-to-one support to find out if a job in care and health is right for them.