A CARE company in the town is looking for 50 new recruits to help it deal with the growing number of vacancies in the sector.

Home Instead Senior Care, which has a base in Darlington, is trying to recruit more staff and is urging people in the town to come forward to help fill a shortfall of carers.

Owner Diane Chandler said she wanted more people like Darlington carer Donna Sinfield, who has has been working for her for almost a year after deciding to enter the industry in 2019.

She said: "We need more people like Donna championing care."

She added: "Donna visits her clients in their own homes, providing personalised care and companionship and has really gone above and beyond for those that she provides care for.

"She has built long lasting, trusting relationships with her clients, and has certainly made a positive difference to her clients and their families’ lives."

The 40-year-old carer was recruited last year as part of the #youcancare campaign aimed at getting more people to get into the sector.

The campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the rewards of working in care, was last year launched by Caroline Dinenage, the minister of state for care.

Recent research suggest that by 2035 there will be more than 650,000 vacancies in the care sector.

Home Instead Senior Care, which also works in Northallerton, is trying to recruit 50 people this year.

Ms Sinfield said: "I love what I do, every day. Home Instead Senior Care Darlington has changed my outlook on what home care is all about and how rewarding a career it really is.

“I made the decision to join Home Instead after reading about the values of the company. Everyone is treated like a family member and support is always available to caregivers and clients.”

She added: “After nearly a year since becoming a caregiver, I have never looked back.

"The relationships I have built and the appreciation I receive from clients, their family members, and colleagues in the office is always a positive and uplifting experience.”

Ms Chandler added: "From day one, Donna has worked hard to build trusting relationships with her clients and their family members. She is great at finding a connection which helps get the conversations going, and she maintains dignity and respect at all times.

“Donna came to us last year during our #youcancare campaign and we are so happy that she did. We are very proud that she chose Home Instead.”

Home Instead Senior Care, which works across the country, is trying to recruit 50 people to work in its Darlington office this year.

Ms Chandler said: “If you are thinking about a career in care, we encourage you to come in for a chat and find out more.”

To learn more about Home Instead, call 01325 467833 or visit: www.homeinstead.co.uk/darlington-northallerton.