CARE AMBASSADORS
Devon’s very own Care Ambassadors are made up of young people who work locally in the care sector, two of these extremely enthusiastic care workers have been enlisted from Lyndridge Care. Supported by their Service Provider they are taking time out of their workplaces to promote care as a positive career choice.

The idea started in neighbouring Dorset and has gradually spread throughout Devon with the backing of Penisular Care Sector Group, DCC via Devon Care Training, Havencare, Lyndridge and Care South which have been giving invaluable support and contacts.

With Devon facing an increasingly ageing population and the problems of recruitment and retention within the care profession it is understandable why Care Ambassadors have proven such a valuable link between school, student and care providers.

Much of the Ambassadors work will be with young people. Apart from careers events in Exeter and Barnstaple they have bookings in South Dartmoor Community College, Dartmouth Community College, Holsworthy Community College, Estover Community College, Ivybridge Community College and Stoke Damerell Community College as well as an Information day in Connexions, Barnstaple. With the percentage of the population getting older and increasing problems with gaining state care as many local authorities restrict their help to fewer people, the sector is expected to be one of the areas of employment growth in the coming years.

Future Plans
More schools have been contacted and presentations are being booked. Service providers are being approached and informed about Care Ambassadors, and the potential for them and their staff promoted.

ACTIVITIES
We have a dedicated Activities co-ordinator, Pat Stevens, who organises a wide range of activities and events that are available for anyone in the community to attend.  Bingo, cards, board games, quizzes, knitting/sewing circles and trips out are on offer as a way of meeting old friends, making new ones, providing stimulation or simply a way of getting out and about. 
If you would like more information, call Pat on 077910 26932.

NOMINATED CHARITY
Our nominated charity is Breast Cancer Research (UK).  We hold a number of events during the year to raise funds, which will be posted in the “news” section of our website.