City of Wolverhampton Council has thanked its frontline care workers who are providing vital care and keeping communities safe during the Covid 19 outbreak.

The efforts of hundreds of dedicated workers employed in social care settings across Wolverhampton are this week being highlighted across a variety of media channels, including press and social media to show residents the fantastic work being done by these local heroes.

Care staff, social workers, occupational therapists, mental health workers, safeguarding specialists, welfare rights officers and others across the public and private sectors are often working side by side with their NHS colleagues to support the needs of the most vulnerable in our communities.

The surge in demand for care and support across the city is set to continue for some time. Many of our social care staff are working with those people discharged from hospital who are recovering from Covid 19. Others are occupational therapists working in care homes, while others are at the front end helping the vulnerable living isolated and alone.

Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet Member for Adults said: “We need to take a moment to recognise the true value our social care workers add to our communities, especially in times of adversity.

“These workers are the back bone of our social care and we need them more than ever to get through this national emergency.

“We’re committed to supporting them, whether it’s by fighting to ensure they are equipped with the right PPE to do their jobs or by sharing the huge task of helping those most vulnerable in our communities.

“I am really proud of how the city is working together as one. The Wolverhampton Food Hub, which was set up by the council, has already delivered much-needed food and supplies to up to 1,000 residents last week. And a new emergency helpline where staff from voluntary sector organisations and the council are already reaching out to our most vulnerable across the city.”

David Watts, Director of Adult Services added: “I am very proud of all our care workers and it is right that we recognise the tremendous contribution that they make, especially in the current crisis.

“We also need to recognise all care workers in the private and independent care sector, who are working tirelessly to keep our communities safe and supported.

“Every day many of our workers are out there on the frontline caring for the most vulnerable in our communities while putting themselves and in some cases their own families at risk. Thank you for all you do.”