A CARE company operating across Runcorn and Widnes is urging former employees from the hospitality, retail and travel sectors to bring their valuable skills to the care sector.

Home Instead, which has a dozen care roles to fill, is urging people to consider a career in care after the pandemic caused a surge in demand for home care.

Brian Moynihan, owner of Home Instead Frodsham, Runcorn and Widnes, said: "Our care service sees caregivers matched to clients based on shared interests and much of the care is companionship based.

"People in retail and hospitality tend to be friendly and chatty and these skills are essential for care.

"That’s why we are so keen to speak to these people."

Sandra, who recently joined the company, had worked as a member of cabin crew for 20 years.

This year, she chose to take voluntary redundancy and begin a career in caring, something she had wanted to do since caring for her own mum.

She explained: "I joined Home Instead with no experience, but a desire to help people live independently in their own homes, as my mother had wanted.

"I received excellent training and a wealth of support, alongside learning so much whilst being active in the role.

"The job satisfaction of being a caregiver is absolutely immense- I feel I am actually making a difference to people who deserve it, and I love the time I spend with my clients.

"Every day is different, always rewarding, and never feels like work.

"My career change is most definitely one of the best decisions I have made - I just wish I’d made it years ago."

Caregivers’ duties are tailored to the needs of individual clients and could include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, post-discharge care, personal care, shopping and errands.

To find out more about Home Instead Frodsham, Runcorn and Widnes and its vacancies, call 01928 733020 or visit homeinstead.co.uk/halton/.