NEWS
Joel Hernandez Rivieria, Lucia Nae Matusescu, Binta B Gassima and Chidinma Judith Dike have all secured employment following the completion of the County Durham Care Academy course.
CAREERS PATHWAYS
Step into social care roles across County Durham
County Durham residents are being offered support to start working in social care. County Durham Care Academy, which is run by Durham County Council, is launching another‘ Pathways to Careers’ programme, to help people develop the skills needed for the sector.
The free course, which is delivered parttime by DurhamLearn, is designed to help learners explore the different opportunities available to them that best match their skills and interests.
The course will help people develop a greater understanding of what adult social care involves, the diverse needs of service users and other important factors such as safeguarding.
Chidinma Judith Dike is one of four care workers recently supported by the programme.
Originally from Nigeria, Chidinma was working as an English teacher in Ukraine and moved to England under a Ukrainian settlement scheme.
The flexible skills training has helped Chidinma and her three peers, whose first language isn’ t English, to overcome barriers to learning and secure employment.“ I was so excited and so grateful to start the course,” explains Chidinma.
“ I have learnt so much – we even had the opportunity to do a shift in one of the care homes and that is when I knew that this is something I could do. I really enjoyed that hands-on experience.”
Chidinma is encouraging anyone interested in care to try the programme.
To find out more about the courses and the one-to-one support available, visit www. durham. gov. uk / ASCtraining
LOCAL CHARITY THANKS AYCLIFFE FIRM AFTER £ 10K SUPPORT
A
local cancer charity has thanked a Newton Aycliffe engineering firm for supporting it with donations totalling more than £ 10,000. Durham Precision Engineering, led by managing director Peter Coates, has been a steadfast supporter of Team Solan for the past seven years.
The Aycliffe Business Park company, which employs 48 people, has provided more than £ 10,000 in financial contributions to help sustain its vital work across the North-East.
DPE donates £ 150 per month to Team Solan, making it easier for the charity to cover its core costs, including the monthly rent for its support premises.
Having known Team Solan’ s founder, Mark Solan, since their school days, Peter was inspired by Mark’ s dedication to helping individuals and families affected by cancer. He also has close friends and family members who have been impacted by the disease, making this cause deeply personal to him.
“ Cancer touches so many lives, and what Team Solan does is truly remarkable,” said Peter.
Team Solan, which currently supports around 350‘ warriors’ across the North-East, provides personalised care to individuals diagnosed with cancer, their families, carers and those who have lost loved ones.
Businesses interested in supporting Team Solan or to find out more can visit teamsolan. org. uk.
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 9