Welcome to the Care Ambassador Scheme managed by Partners in Care (www.picbdp.co.uk) in Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole.

Partners in Care is an employer-led group whose activities focus on workforce development within the social care field by linking with voluntary, independent and statutory care organizations throughout Bournemouth, Dorset and Poole.

One such activity is the Care Ambassador Scheme which was piloted through Partners in Care in 2003.

Co-ordinated by Katie Bennett, a member of the Partners in Care team, the Scheme in Dorset supports a range of Care Ambassadors from over 30 different social care settings. Since 2006, Katie has built a team of 46 dedicated Care Ambassadors who relish the role, enjoy working with colleagues across the sector and gaining a variety of new skills.

 "Our Care Ambassadors are all different ages, have a huge variety of job roles and all have very different routes in to care.  What they do have in common is that they are all enthusiastic and passionate about raising the profile of social care!" - Katie Bennett

Giving further insight into the world of social care, the Dorset Scheme now has 12 trained Care Ambassadors who are made up of people who use services and their support staff.  Who better to give information about the sector than those you actually use it?!

The Ambassadors are involved in programmes of working with schools, colleges, the Society Health & Development Diploma and Apprenticeship partnerships, and a wide range of community groups and organisations such as Jobcentre Plus, Gateway to Work and the Prince's Trust.

It is essential that more people are encouraged into the profession. This can only be done by raising the status and image of care work, and demonstrating the career routes and opportunities available.  There is no better way to inspire a new group or generation of social care professionals.

If you would like to know more about the Care Ambassador Scheme in Dorset or you are interested in becoming involved, please call Katie on 07717 773520, via This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or contact the Partners in Care office on 01202 639026.