Six colleagues from across Swanton Care and Community are gearing up to take part in the Great British Care Cycle Relay, a nationwide event celebrating social care and raising awareness of the vital role it plays in communities across the UK.
The relay, organised by Championing Social Care, brings together care professionals from across the country to cycle hundreds of miles while celebrating the people who work in the sector every day. The initiative aims to shine a spotlight on social care, raise awareness of the profession and encourage more people to consider a career in care. Along the route, riders will start and finish at care homes and stop at a number of services, where they will have the opportunity to meet residents and dedicated care professionals while taking part in the relay.
Representing Swanton are Deputy Chief Executive Officer Julianne Baker, Chief People Officer Beverley Borkowski, Chief Financial Officer Tom Bostock, Support Worker Ian McGleish, IT Director Steve Adlam and Quality Director Emma Sadler, who will each take on sections of the route as it travels across the country.
Swanton is proud to sponsor Team Swanton's involvement in the Great British Care Cycle Relay, supporting colleagues as they help champion the social care sector and highlight its impact on communities across the UK.
“This relay is a great opportunity to shine a light on the incredible people who work in social care every day,” said Julianne. “It’s a chance to celebrate the dedication, compassion and expertise that exists across our sector, while helping to raise awareness of the positive difference social care makes in people’s lives and communities.”
For Emma, taking part was an opportunity to embrace a new challenge while supporting a cause she is passionate about. “I like to stay active and I enjoy a challenge,” said Emma. “I’m usually a runner, but I saw this as an opportunity to work towards something different. When Julianne suggested it, I was keen to get involved.”
In preparation for the relay, the team have been putting in the miles individually, building their fitness and encouraging one another along the way.
“I’ve been cycling a couple of times a week, building up my distance gradually,” Emma explained. “We’ve not managed to cycle together as a team as we live in different parts of the country, but we’ve exchanged lots of words of encouragement when sharing summaries of our rides recorded on Strava.”
The training has also provided a few valuable lessons. “I’ve learnt that padded shorts exist and they are essential!” Emma laughed.
Beyond the physical challenge, the team are passionate about the wider purpose behind the relay and the opportunity it creates to champion social care.
“Social care is one of the biggest sectors in this country, with a workforce comparable in size to the NHS, but it’s not always given the same recognition,” said Bev. “The work carried out by social care professionals every day is incredibly important, yet many people are unaware of the opportunities, career pathways and positive impact the sector offers."
“Events like the Great British Care Cycle Relay help shine a spotlight on social care, celebrate the people who work within it and encourage others to consider a rewarding career in the sector.”
The relay takes place as the sector prepares for Care Home Open Week, providing another opportunity to celebrate the positive impact social care services have within their local communities.
“Care homes are an important part of local communities, and it’s a great opportunity to further the connections that our services have with the communities they operate in,” Emma said. “The people we support volunteer locally; they run cafés for people who might be experiencing loneliness, organise beach clean-ups and work in local charity shops.
“During Care Home Open Week, people are encouraged to engage with care home residents and staff to foster a sense of community and inclusivity.”
As the relay passes through communities across the country, including some where Swanton services are based, Team Swanton will be proud to play their part in celebrating social care and showcasing the incredible work carried out by care professionals every day.
Everyone at Swanton would like to wish the team the very best of luck as they take on this exciting challenge!
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