Remembering the Sacrifices of Care Workers

South Tyneside will mark the first ever special day of remembrance and reflection this Thursday to pay tribute to the work of the dedicated social care workforce throughout the pandemic.

South Shields Town Hall will be lit up in green and a care flag will fly above the building. Every care provider will also receive a special letter of thanks from the Council's Director of Adult Social Care and they will be encouraged to take part in an activity, such as a coffee morning, to provide an opportunity for remembrance and reflection.

People will also be encouraged to share examples on social media of outstanding service and stories of their own positive experiences, either provided by colleagues, people who receive care and or their friends and families.

Care worker Clare Blake, who worked at Clasper Court in South Shields, lost her life to Covid. Last year a garden at the Extra Care scheme was re-designed and dedicated to her memory.

A sculpture of silver geese provided by Clare's family takes pride of place in the garden while a plaque has also been dedicated to her by the Council.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Tracey Dixon, said: "Tragically more than 900 social workers across England lost their lives to Covid between March 2020 and May 2021. However, it really hits home when we lose one of our own.

 "Despite the huge pressures during the pandemic everyone working across social care continued to show incredible skill and tenacity in supporting those who access social care across the UK. This day is an opportunity to remember all those in the workforce who made huge sacrifices to provide high quality care.

"We must never forget those who went above and beyond to help us deliver on our priority of supporting our older or vulnerable communities, especially those who paid the ultimate price."