Councillors Welcome 100 New Job Opportunities in the Bristol Homecare Sector

The new offices of family-run, Premier Homecare in Canford Lane were officially opened today by Bristol Council's Care & Health Councillor Glenise Morgan and Councillor Alastair Watson of Westbury- on-Trym Ward. The expansion is set to offer new local opportunities in terms of employment and the provision of quality care for Bristol and South Gloucestershire's vulnerable and older population. 

Councillor Glenise Morgan, Bristol Liberal Democrat member for Care & Health: 

"The opening of these premises offers new opportunities within our community. Not only will the expansion of Premier Homecare create many local jobs for local people but, more importantly, it also serves as a symbol of commitment to quality care for our vulnerable and older population, whether that be provided by the public or private sector." 

The business expansion comes ahead of the Government's issue of a White Paper on Social Care Reform, one which is anticipated to overhaul social care funding in the region - an issue ï¬Âercely debated in Parliament for over 10 years. 

Councillor Alastair Watson,Westbury-on-Trym Ward: 

'Westbury-on-Trym is a vibrant community that needs good quality businesses to provide employment and services to the local area. It is very pleasing to see Premier Homecare opening their new ofï¬Âces here. The careful restoration of a run-down building near the centre of the village shows that businesses have conï¬Âdence in investing in this community.' 

The new premises are located on the high street where a 'drop-in' service is offered to 

members of the public wanting to ï¬Ând out more about homecare, support services and careers in the care industry. 

Bristol GP Gill Callow's father Mick, 91 lives in Stoke Bishop. He suffers from dementia and receives care support enabling him to remain in the comfort of his own home. On a daily basis, Premier Homecare staff visit him to help him get dressed, administer medication and prepare meals. Their services help him and approximately 150 others on a daily basis maintain a degree of independence. 

'It can be difï¬Âcult to be there when my father needs me, but having the support of Premier Homecare's services is a real relief and gives me peace of mind. I know that when I'm working there will be someone visiting my father to reliably provide him with both emotional and physical support' commented Dr Callow. 

Premier Homecare is looking to recruit in excess of 100 local people in jobs ranging from care support workers to supervisory staff. Full training is provided and new employees will be supported and supervised to equip them with the skills required to provide this essential service, on the local community. Potential employees will have a kind and caring nature which will be developed by Premier Homecare into a well qualiï¬Âed, professional and reliable member of their team. 

Sharon Hillman, 32 from Lawrence Weston has worked for Premier Homecare for 5 years: 

'I joined Premier Homecare with a few qualiï¬Âcations, since then I've learnt a great deal and am very proud of my professional achievements. More importantly, on a personal level, it's wonderful to have found a job where I am making a real difference in people's lives. I've made some great friendships with other staff and with those that I care for'. 

The Government's imminent Social Care Reform Paper could bring real changes to the way in which Bristol Social Services provide and ï¬Ânance care. The funding reforms are needed to tackle the impact of longevity rises which will see social care spending hit £23 billion in 2025/26 up £14.6 billion in 2010/11 if reforms are not introduced. On average the cost of care for an individual in the UK is £30,000 a year, but one in 10 faces an annual bill of £100,000.*1 

Judith Tunnicliffe, Founder Premier Homecare, 25 years NHS Nurse and Health Visitor: 

'This move is the next stage in our investment strategy to improve the quality of homecare services in Bristol and South Gloucestershire. We understand what good care is, and believe in rewarding our staff for their hard work and commitment in delivering a quality service. Ahead of the White Paper on Social Care Reform it is absolutely vital that local authorities, families and individuals plan for sustainable ways to pay for social care in the future. The £1.5 billion NHS under-spend in this area urgently needs addressing to prevent more vulnerable people from being condemned to a life of misery and fear. Companies like ours will be forced to rely increasingly on the private sector unless the social system of welfare funding in this 

sector is overhauled'. 

 - Established in 2004 by Judith Tunnicliffe and Simon Swindells, Premier Homecare is an independent company accredited with Bristol City Council and South Gloucestershire Social Services to supply public and private service users. Premier Homecare Limited is registered with Care Quality Commission. 

 - For further information regarding the Ofï¬Âcial Opening and Premier Homecare Limited, please contact Simon Swindells 0117 9625832 or simon@premier-homecare.com or visit 

www.premier-homecare.com