A PROPOSAL to establish a not-for-profit social enterprise organisation to provide home care services in Stockton will be considered by councillors tomorrow (Thurs, May 19).

The proposal would involve Stockton Borough Council working in partnership with Thornaby charity Five Lamps in a pilot scheme to support people with social care needs.

This would include practical support with daily activities such as personal care, taking medication, shopping, preparing meals and taking part in local activities.

During the pilot it is proposed that Five Lamps will work closely with local colleges to create a trained workforce with potential opportunities for career progression. The aim is that this will reduce staff turnover, a challenge often faced by the home care sector.

Cllr Jim Beall, Stockton council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health, said: “Currently the majority of home care services across Stockton are delivered by two providers. We are proposing to develop a social enterprise with Five Lamps and pilot an innovative scheme to both strengthen the provision of quality home care services as well as offering greater choice and flexibility.

“The scheme would draw on the strengths of our communities, with local people providing help to others through a local voluntary organisation, and any profits being reinvested in growing and strengthening the services provided.”

The proposal to develop a social enterprise as an additional provider of home care services will be considered by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet tomorrow (Thurs) at 4.30pm in Stockton Central Library.