The government has finally woken up and recognised the contribution that our care force brings to this nation.

If you’re a caring person who has been looking for a foot in the door to the care sector, or have been inspired by the bravery demonstrated by our care teams across the nation, then this could be a good time for you to look for a position with a care provider.

People who are sick still need caring for once out of hospital. What’s more, while the country is closing for lockdown, it’s the carers who ensure their vital support is maintained.

Of course, it’s not as simple as slotting into a well-oiled organisation – There are DBS checks and training to carry out before you’ll be allowed to fulfil your duties as a professional social carer.

What can you do in the meantime?

First of all, the government has told people to stay home except for key workers or people who can’t work from home.

However, the good news is that you can still get involved on the front line. The NHS has launched a new service to invite volunteers to apply to be part of a “volunteer army”.

This team will help the most vulnerable – 1.5 million citizens who have been advised to shield themselves for three months while the nation gets the pandemic under control.

The NHS has asked for 250,000 people to stand up and be counted in the fight against coronavirus, appealing to fit and healthy people to carry out one of four functions:

• Helping people get to medical appointments if you have a car;
• Bringing people back to their homes after a stay in hospital;
• Delivering medical supplies and shopping;
• Making phone calls to people in isolation from your home

This means that if you want to get involved, you have a few ways you can make a difference. Showing willing this way is a great way to see if care could be a potential career for you. It also means you can use your everyday skills to serve our most vulnerable.

To apply, volunteers need to be over eighteen, healthy with no coronavirus symptoms and DBS checks are required for driver roles. If you are in a high-risk category, you can still get involved by supporting people over the phone.

Volunteer and be part of the volunteer army.