Staff from day centres for older people and for people with disabilities are being reassigned to work in other parts of social care.

That’s the message from Powys County Council as it works to change its service to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The day centres and day services have closed over the past few weeks as tighter social distancing measures have been introduced nationally.

The staff are mainly moving to work in homecare roles and within supported living for people with learning disabilities with some catering staff offered to support work in residential homes.

So far, almost 80 staff are in the process of being trained in their new roles. This is part of the same process which is also seeing volunteers recruited from outside social care (from other parts of the council and from residents) to provide support, particularly to the homecare sector.

Councillor Myfanwy Alexander is Cabinet Member with responsibility for Adult Social Care with the council. She said: “The flexibility and energy shown by our teams, slotting quickly and smoothly into their new roles shows their commitment to care for those needing help in this difficult time.

“Our reshaped workforce will meet the challenges ahead but these challenges are large. Powys is famous for its community spirit so we are asking all those who possibly can to step up to volunteer. Together, we will win, so, if you can, please play your part.’

Members of the public who are willing and able to volunteer are being asked to contact the Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO), which is co-ordinating this work as part of a new group (Powys Community Sector Emergency Response Team) that is comprised of the council, PAVO and the Powys Teaching Health Board. You can find out more about helping your communities by clicking here.