Our Charity Features Across BBC Social Care Day

Community Integrated Care was proud to be featured across BBC regional television, online news and radio on Tuesday 28 April 2026, as part of the BBC’s Social Care Day special, which shone a spotlight on the people, impact and importance of social care across the country.

Celebrating Lives, Skills and Support in the East Midlands

In Leicester, colleagues and people we support from Gilmorton appeared on BBC East Midlands Today. Advanced Support Worker Luke Dadswell, Service Leader Gill Edwards, Support Worker Yemi Abolade, and Emma, who is supported at the service, were joined by Emma’s sister Jenny to share their experiences of social care and the difference skilled, compassionate support makes every day.

Speaking warmly about her sister’s support and the team at Gilmorton, Jenny said, “They look after [my sister’s] safety, health, and I don’t honestly think you can put a price on that. They deserve everything.”

Sharing his passion for working in social care, Luke said, “I love the difference that we make, not just improving people’s lives, but helping them hit their goals.”

The team were also joined by Edd Terrey, Managing Director for Community Integrated Care’s South, Central and Yorkshire regions. He spoke about the incredible value of the social care workforce, the increasing challenges faced by the sector, and our charity’s ongoing Unfair To Care campaign.

Independence and Opportunity in the North West

Meanwhile, in St Helens, colleagues and people we support at Mill Point featured on BBC North West Tonight. Linda, who has lived at Mill Point for the past six years, shared how her support has helped her grow in confidence, become more independent and enjoy the things she loves – from hobbies and interests to trying new experiences.

Speaking of her life at Mill Point, Linda said, “It’s a lovely place. I just like the company. I’ve got my own little flat and I love being in it. I’ve got my independence.”

Linda’s Support Worker, Donna Thomas, also shared her passion for social care and the complex, skilled nature of support roles. Giving insight into how support workers draw on compassion, expertise and resilience every day, she explained how challenging and varied the role can be.

She said, “It’s about being able to support people to live the best lives possible – going out, meeting people, building friendships, joining in activities. I love my job and I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else but it can be quite challenging at times and sometimes you can take work home with you.”

Championing Fairness for Social Care

Samantha Brennan, Managing Director for Community Integrated Care’s North West and North East regions, joined the conversation to explore this further and emphasise the need for increased funding and recognition for social care professionals.

Highlighting our charity’s Unfair To Care campaign, she said, “The pay gap between NHS colleagues and social care colleagues is about £7,000 on average a year. That’s quite a significant gap for such a skilled role – and it absolutely isn’t fair.”

“Social care touches each and every one of us in our lives at some point. Our workforce needs to be recognised for the incredible skills they have and the vital roles they play in our communities. To keep delivering brilliant support, we need the funding to match that reality.”

Continuing the Conversation

Extending the conversation even further, Jim Kane, Chief Executive Officer of Community Integrated Care, joined BBC North West Tonight live, answering questions about social care, its challenges and its future – ensuring the voices of the sector, our colleagues and the people we support, were heard loud and clear.

Throughout the day, our charity was proud to feature across online news, radio and television – reaching over 550 million people and sharing the incredible impact of our social care workforce in enabling people to live the best lives possible. Find out more about how we’re campaigning for social care and how you can get involved at www.UnfairToCare.co.uk