The sound of Nottingham’s famous Little John bell will ring out across the city this evening (Thursday) to say a huge ‘thank you’ to carers.
The extended chimes will be heard at 8pm as the city pauses to appreciate the efforts and commitment of local care workers, who are keeping elderly and vulnerable people safe during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Council House balcony will be lit up in blue lights (for the NHS) and the dome in green (for carers) during the #ClapForOurCarers display of appreciation, while the façade of Wollaton Hall will also be bathed in green light.
Members of the public are encouraged to join in from home by clapping and cheering at 8pm to show carers, and other key workers, in Nottingham how much they are in their thoughts.
This comes at a time when Nottingham City Council is urging people to come forward to take on essential care worker roles during the Covid-19 crisis.
As many as 1,600 new care workers are needed to help support people in the community as the pressure on public services increases.
Councillor David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “There is a real team effort to make sure that we continue to keep vital frontline services going during the current crisis.
“We’re all extremely grateful to Council staff working so hard to keep the streets clean, emptying bins and keeping the city going, but especially to those who are looking after our elderly and most vulnerable residents.
“It’s hard to emphasis enough how vital their work is at present – they are a lifeline to so many in Nottingham. We want to show our support for those staff who are looking after others or working this Easter weekend.
“Tonight at 8pm, I hope as many people as possible will take a moment to pause and reflect on that selfless effort. We will all likely know someone who is currently being looked after in that way.
“The lighting up of the Council House and Wollaton Hall, and the pealing of the Little John bell, is a small gesture on our part but one we hope will highlight what our carers mean to Nottingham – never more so than at this time.”
The Council’s recruitment drive is essential to the city’s efforts to support people in their own homes during these difficult times – especially those who are elderly and vulnerable. There is also a growing need to support people who are isolated due to coronavirus or who have recently returned home from hospital.
All jobs are paid and are across a variety of care worker roles, but homecare workers in particular are needed in Nottingham as they help with personal care and practical everyday tasks, which is essential for people to remain isolated in their own homes.
For all jobs roles recruited by the city council:
- You will be fully paid
- You will be trained – no previous experience is necessary, just a desire to care for others
- Your DBS check will be paid for
- We will support your application; interviews will be carried out by phone
- Work will be assigned close to your home
- You will be designated ‘critical worker’ status
Care worker recruitment is already under way in the city, with applications already being received – but many more are urgently needed to help the city to cope with rising demand.
To find out more about care worker roles at the city council, visit https://www.nottinghamjobs.com/care-worker-ncc-20.html or call Nottingham Jobs on 0115 876 4508.