We’re supporting CCPS’ Rethink To 13 campaign
Our support workers, known at Thistle as Personal Assistants and Wellbeing Practitioners, are inquisitive and bold. They are human rights defenders who are committed to working alongside people and supporting them to live lives of meaning and purpose.
Ahead of the Scottish budget debate, we stand with the CCPS and our colleagues by calling on the Scottish Government to recognise and value Scotland’s social care workforce who support people - our friends, family, neighbours and colleagues - to live in their own homes in communities across Scotland.
Over the course of the next week, we will be sharing the perspectives of some of our colleagues about why they think the Scottish Government needs to Rethink to 13, beginning with Julie Gatineau:
“Valuing our social care workers by offering a minimum of £13 per hour is investing in them. It will help recruitment, turnover, and encourage youngsters to get in the industry. But more importantly it will send the right message to our society - human right matter – and in a sector dominated by female workers, women matter.”
Read Julie’s full perspective, here.
“I am a member of SSSC and I undertake ongoing learning and development. My team and I work alongside a range of professionals. We have close working relationships with GP’s, district nurses, psychiatrists, learning disability teams, supported person’s advocates, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists. We are responsible for attending multi-disciplinary meetings alongside these professionals and provide/share critical feedback that informs the decisions they take. Being part of these groups of professionals requires skills and experience and this needs to be valued and recognised. “
Read Yesim’s full perspective, and watch her film, here.
“Without these highly skilled workers, myself and thousands of others would not be able to live the lives we choose. With the help of the people who support me, I am able to live independently, work and be an active member of my family and community. I really want to see the people who help me take my place as a citizen each and every day paid at a rate that reflects that."
Read Emma’s full perspective, here.
“During the pandemic, those who worked in social care were applauded for the job they do and recognised as ‘key workers’. However, these views are not reflected in the pay that is received. The raise in hourly rate would ensure that skilled people continue to work within the sector, as well as attracting other likeminded people who are focused on delivering person-centred support, to join the workforce.”
Read Jade’s full perspective, here.
