Joshua Naveen Chander and Karolina Vilkelyte, have both made the journey from their home countries in India and Lithuania, to start a career working in social care in Northern Ireland.
They are sharing their inspirational stories to help celebrate and value the diversity of social care which supports people in local communities during the winter months.
Their stories are part of the ‘Social care – Making a difference’ campaign run by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) on behalf of the Social Care Collaborative Forum, a Department of Health (DoH) partnership across the social care sector in Northern Ireland.
Joshua and Karolina are just two of the thousands of overseas staff who work in social care to provide excellent care to people who need social care and support all year round, whilst sharing their international expertise.
Joshua (who is employed by Positive Futures) and Karolina (who works for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust) have shared why they decided to work in social care and how it has helped them to settle into living in Northern Ireland, as well as their hopes for opportunities to learn and develop In their careers.
Speaking about the importance of social care practitioners who have come from overseas, Declan McAllister, Interim Chief Executive, Social Care Council said:
“Celebrating the diversity of each person who works in social care is something we all need to do. This includes social care practitioners who are from overseas, like Joshua and Karolina. Many overcome obstacles such as cultural changes or social barriers, to become an invaluable part of our health and social care system”
Agnes Lunny, CEO, Positive Futures, encourages anyone from overseas and living in Northern Ireland to consider social care as a career of choice.
“As an employer in the social care sector, I have seen at first hand the value that international workers have brought to our organisation.
In addition to their skills and experience, our international workers bring language skills, cultural diversity, resilience and more to the lives of the people they support. Their dedication and determination to give of their best really shines through.”
Make a difference to lives with a career in social care… Want to know more?
Check out our campaign page – for our campaign videos and even more inspiring stories.
For further information:
Rita McCullagh, Head of Strategic Communications and Engagement
Rita.mccullagh@niscc.hscni.net 07874682049