Social care

The Church's Call to support Social Care.

Social care is an issue close to the heart of all of us in Scotland. Most of us know someone who is cared for, and most of us will need care at some time in our lives. Many of us already support vulnerable loved ones and friends to live their lives as fully as possible, and in Scotland we have a 200,000 strong workforce in the care sector.

What does social care involve?

Social care supports people in many situations. Viv Dickenson, CEO of CrossReach, the social care arm of the Church of Scotland, explains:

"It is the type of support which helps prevent family breakdown; enables those living with dementia to continue to live in the communities which they know best; supports those living with a physical or learning disability to live in accordance with their choices and aspirations; and is there for those struggling with problematic substance use or their mental health. These services are high quality, cost-effective and deliver good outcomes, and can help relieve strain on the already overloaded NHS or Scottish Prison Service."

It's clear that a robust, properly valued and well-resourced care sector in Scotland is needed so that everyone in our communities can access help when we need it.

However, there is currently a shortage of carers in Scotland. In July 2023 the average workforce turnover in the sector was 25 per cent. Factors for why carers are leaving the profession are varied and include low pay, insecure jobs and lack of recognition and progression in the profession. In 2024 the hourly rate for care workers has been set by the Scottish Government at £12 per hour for front line carers, whatever their level of skill and experience. Roles of an equivalent level within the NHS are paid considerably more, and some supermarkets offer more as their minimum hourly rate.

Carers are tasked with supporting those in the most vulnerable situations, yet they often find themselves in financially precarious situations and can become trapped in poverty. As women make up 85% of the care workforce, poor pay and conditions contribute to a lack of gender equity and equality of opportunity.

Why is the Church speaking out about Social Care?

Very Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 2023-4 said: "As people of faith we have a calling to honour care and service. Dignity and respect for others is at the very heart of the faith message."

Viv Dickenson said: "This is not just a matter of justice for those working in care, but it is a matter which speaks to the way in which we as a society value those that they support and care for – and our fundamental belief that every life is worth living and can be lived in the fullest way possible."

Many congregations across Scotland live out these values through volunteer-led activities which serve their communities, such as drop-in clubs, dementia cafes, activities for people with disabilities, and counselling to name but a few. These activities often help people to continue living as independently as possible and prevent the need for NHS interventions.

How can we support Social Care Workers?

Please remember the social care sector and CrossReach's amazing carers and clients in your prayers. The CrossReach Prayer Diary is available here.

Share your concerns with your MSP and draw their attention to the crisis in this vital area which so many rely on. Social Care was not mentioned in the Programme for Government published in September 2024, and while the Government often refer to their long-term plans for a National Care Service, action is needed now. The Church's Meet Your MSP resources can help.

For more information about the proposed National Care Service please see our briefing on Social Care Reform.

The Moderator Rt Rev Dr Shaw Patterson, together with Fr David Stewart of the Edinburgh Jesuit Community are bringing the concerns of both churches to the Scottish Government's Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, asking for improvements to pay and conditions in line with the Fair Work Convention Report published in 2019, which called for urgent interventions to improve the quality of work and employment for the workforce.

To learn more about the work of The Church and CrossReach in calling for Fair Pay for Social Care please see details of the campaign on the Church's website here.