Basingstoke carer campaigns for more support at Parliament

Chevonne Baker, from Right at Home Basingstoke, travelled to the House of Commons on Tuesday, June 28, to highlight the challenges faced by care workers in the social care service.

Acting as a witness for the Health and Social Care Committee, the 24-year-old discussed how rewarding a career in care can be and challenged the misconception that working in care is a low-skilled job.

Chevonne standing outside the Houses of Parliament

Speaking in front of committee chair Jeremy Hunt and Lucy Allan MP, Chevonne justified that the use of the term “unskilled worker” to describe care professionals needs to be scrapped.

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Chevonne explained that she administers medication, monitors health and care needs, can spot when clients aren’t themselves, and overcomes complex challenges every day, proving the use of a multitude of skills in this vital role.

She also said that it is important to her that people working in residential and home care receive the same accolades as other healthcare professionals.

Chevonne went on to make suggestions for improving retention in the sector, including benefits such as better pay and enhanced fuel compensation.

Chevonne was accompanied on the trip by Kevin Smith (left), who owns Right at Home Basingstoke

Acknowledging that not all providers can offer such support and benefits packages, Chevonne called on the government to do more.

Chevonne believed that her testimony “went really well”, saying: “I was thrilled to have the opportunity to express my opinions and represent not just myself but other carers; both in my team and nationally.

“I felt like there was a lot of pressure on my shoulders to be the voice for so many.

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“I hope some more opportunities will come from this for myself and other carers to drive home the message and spread the word that care workers are worthy of recognition.”

Kevin Smith, owner of Right at Home Basingstoke, praised Chevonne’s professionalism and bravery, saying: “Chevonne did an outstanding job in representing care workers across the country and I was delighted to be with her to provide moral support on the day”.

You can watch Chevonne address the committee on Parliament TV.

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