Conference aims to attract hundreds of pupils into care

HALLMARK Foundation and Working Options in Education are hosting a free national care conference for school pupils aged between 14 and 19, to encourage the next generation of health professionals into the care sector.

Who Cares? Sponsored by Regent Group, Sahara Care and Advinia Care will be attended by 300 delegates and live streamed to at least 30 schools.

It will take place on March 7 from 10am to 3pm at Royal College of GPs, 30 Euston Square, London.

Anita Goyal MBE, trustee of the Hallmark Foundation, said: “We are delighted to host the first national conference for school and college students on working in care.

“We want to raise awareness of the variety of roles for young people to build a career in the care sector.

“More than 1.5 million people currently work in some of the most important and valuable jobs in our society.

“With our ageing population, there will be a growing demand for the next generation of the care workforce. Everyone can care.”

The fun and informative event seeks to attract young talent into the profession by increasing awareness, and will share the importance of working in care settings, supporting the industry’s need to fill the 2.27 million roles required to care for us all by 2035.

Industry exhibitors including Care England, National Care Forum, and Open University will be present at the event alongside national speakers such as Deborah Sturdy, chief nurse for adult social care, Care England chair Avnish Goyal CBE and the UK’s fastest growing inspirational speaker Jermaine Harris.

Teenagers in attendance will also have the opportunity to watch an interactive performance with UpFront Theatre, network with speakers and exhibitors, and enjoy a panel discussion and Q&A with rising young stars in the care world.