A NEW national campaign to attract 5,000 extra recruits to work in social care was backed by Lancashire Social Services last week.

The Department of Health launched the recruitment campaign and Pauline Oliver, director of Social Services for Lancashire, said: "Social work and social care are challenging and complex jobs which bring real rewards in helping vulnerable people in the community.

"Many people do not know what these jobs actually entail.

"We are hoping that this campaign will encourage a range of people in the area to consider entering or re-entering the profession."

Social workers and social care staff help vulnerable groups from many different sections of society, working in a wide range of settings which offer services for children, older people, people with mental health problems, physical or learning disabilities, homeless people, and those who are affected by HIV and AIDS, drugs and alcohol.

People interested in becoming qualified social workers need to enrol on a college Diploma in Social Work (DipSW) course.

Those wanting to work in social care do not need any specific qualifications, although it is vital that they are good at dealing with people.

Call (0845) 6046404 for more details.