How you can make a difference with a Health and Social Care degree!

As a young student, deciding what career path to go down after completing your A-Levels can be tricky. If you have a caring and supportive personality and want to make a change, then health and social care could be a possible route for you.  

The world is a place with many beautiful qualities, however, there are some ugly parts that can be helped if more people start to support the cause. In the UK alone there are: 

- Over 80,000 children in care 

- Approximately one in four people experiencing mental health problems each year 

- Over 1.9 million people that require additional care  

By obtaining a health and social care degree, you can be a part of positively changing those statistics and others' lives. It is said by 2030 there will be half a million extra jobs in this industry. 

Why is health and social care important? 

Health and social care is an essential industry that covers a wide variety of issues and provides support to others who are vulnerable. Dealing with issues such as mental health, learning difficulties and physical disabilities is a key part of ensuring everyone receives equal opportunities in life and creates more diversity. By doing this, you are boosting patients' confidence and reminding them they have their own independence and control. 

We need more qualified social care workers in the UK. There is a growing demand for workers that are not restricted to what they can offer and are able to efficiently support individuals, families, and communities.  

It is vital that as a worker you: 

- Provide physical, emotional, and social support 

- Know how to support a range of people, from different age groups to different needs 

- Ensure they develop and maintain their independence 

 
What to expect as a social care worker 

As a social care worker, no two days will be the same. The job will be challenging yet equally rewarding. Not only will you get the satisfaction of knowing you supported someone through some of their toughest battles, but you will also get to see them improve and live a happier lifestyle. 

Depending on what area of social care work you go in to, you could be working in a range of environments such as: 

- Residential homes

- Prisons 

- Patients' homes 

- Hospitals  

- Hospices & Day centres   

- Supported housing 

 
There are many transferable skills which you will pick up by taking a health and social care degree. And continuing further training will help you adapt to whichever route you decide to go down. 

Some of the skills needed involve: 

- Sensitivity and empathy  

- Ability to work well with others 

- Patience  

- Ability to work well under pressure  
 How you can make a difference 

By entering the health and social care world, you are helping the nation take one step closer to a more equal, diverse, and inclusive society. You will also be helping others improve their physical and mental health so they can maintain a healthier lifestyle. 

There are many roles other than a health and social care worker that you can undertake by completing this degree, including: 

- Probation work 

- Youth worker 

- Learning support worker  

- And more! 

So, what are you waiting for? Become a part of the solution today! 

At the University of Bolton, we offer a BSc (Hons) Health and Social Care degree for students who want to make a positive impact. You will learn all the skills and knowledge needed from our highly qualified lecturers so that you can excel in your studies. We encourage our students to take the opportunity to gain work experience through volunteering and offer one-to-one support so you can start your career smoothly. Follow the link here for more course information. 

#UniAsItShouldBe, dedicated to giving students the learning journey they deserve. For any further information contact us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call 01204 903100 and we will be happy to help!