Good Care Month is observed during the entire month of July. It aims to acknowledge our hard-working social care workers and the services they provide for those in need throughout the U.K. It also helps inspire the public to consider social care as a viable career choice.
A big reason why social care plays an important part in the healthcare system is that the U.K. has an aging population. Life expectancy has significantly increased in recent decades. The number of people living longer lives has grown rapidly. It’s estimated that by 2036, one in four of the population will be over 65.
History of Good Care Month
A social care worker’s job is to give practical and emotional support to a wide range of people. They work with individuals, families, and communities to assist them in improving their well-being so they can live a better quality of life. They may be employed in a home environment, nursing homes, or community centers. They can provide their services under the supervision of a case manager or social worker. Oftentimes they can partner with other health or social care professionals.
Some services that social care workers may look after are household tasks such as cooking, cleaning, or preparing meals. They assist with personal care like washing, dressing, and using the toilet. They may also offer short-term support to help people live independently, especially after an illness or injury. They can aid in organizing physical, social, and leisure activities, which are called daycare services. In some instances, they step in to do respite care, which allows an unpaid carer to take a break for an agreed amount of time. They can assist in looking after an individual’s health issues, or give them opportunities to socialize with other people.
Social care can change lives. It enables people to carry out tasks they otherwise won’t be able to do. Individuals are given the opportunity to live with dignity and as much independence as they can. Everyone is entitled to live life to the fullest and social care can enable them to do so. The need to serve others is considered more of a calling than a career to those involved in this profession. They deserve our appreciation not just for a month but all year round.
Good Care Month timeline
The National Health Service brings free healthcare to all U.K. residents.
Hertfordshire Care Providers Association or H.C.P.A. is created to improve the quality of care providers.
Around 19% of the U.K. population is made up of people aged 65 and over.
Gillian Keegan is appointed Minister of State for Care and Mental Health.
The H.C.P.A. mascot helps promote Good Care Month by visiting care homes.
Good Care Month FAQs
Can you work in social care without a degree?
Yes. Careers in social care don’t require a degree.
What’s the difference between social work and social care?
Social workers are professionally qualified to develop and provide a care plan to suit a client’s unique requirements. A social care worker implements the care plan while providing practical and emotional support to the client.
What is the Good Care Campaign?
Headed by the H.C.P.A., it aims to uplift the profile of the social care sector and promote career opportunities for those who want a career in social care.
How to Observe Good Care Month
Write a thank you card
It’s always nice to hear that what you do is appreciated. A simple card or short note of thanks can make their hours of work feel worthwhile.
Spring for snacks
Pick the nearest social care facility near you. A care package of pastries, little cakes, or biscuits to go with their tea can be a pleasant pick-me-up and will fuel them until their next big meal.
Send a singing telegram
Lift their spirits with a song or two! Send an anonymous singing telegram to your neighborhood social care office. Tunes like ‘Here Comes The Sun’ by The Beatles, ‘Lean On Me’ by Bill Withers, and ‘God Only Knows’ by The Beach Boys put to melody how much we value these health workers.
5 Qualities Needed By A Social Care Worker
Passion
The desire to help those in need matters even more than the skills and training needed.
Dedication
Committing that each person under your care receives the best support and continuously improving yourself and the overall care experience is essential.
Courage
Making difficult decisions, supporting people during tough times, and voicing your concerns if something is being done unfairly all require courage.
Sense of humor
When clients go through challenges, both physically and mentally, bringing a smile to their faces can be the best medicine.
Compassion
Putting yourself in other people’s shoes enables you to treat others with empathy and patience.
Why Good Care Month is Important
It gives back to the givers
Social care workers, and health workers in general, are always used to giving of themselves. On this day, it’s our turn to give them the recognition they deserve.
It familiarizes the public with the social care profession
It takes a special kind of person to work in social care. This day highlights not just the skills but the heart needed to attend to the needs of the vulnerable.
It reminds us of our humanity
Humans are the only creatures capable of altruism or concern for the well-being of others. This day calls to mind that we have the unlimited capacity to care for each other.
Good Care Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | July 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | July 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | July 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | July 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | July 1 | Saturday |
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