There is a huge range of careers in care in the county, working for different organisations and in settings from care homes to people's own homes and day centres.

The dedicated Proud to Care Gloucestershire website promotes jobs in the health and care sector across the county. It also features men and women of different ages and backgrounds from the county who work in care.

John is one of those featured. He is a community care worker for Crossroads Care.

John was inspired to move into care work after a severe illness, when he was helped by a team of caring and compassionate people.

He said: "I started my career in care about eight years ago, coming from a catering management background.

"Part of my job is to help people retain their own independence in their own homes, to help them with everyday tasks that a lot of people take for granted.

"When you go into people's houses, you're not just a community support worker, you're that person's friend. Sometimes I'm the only person they see that day. It gives them peace of mind, gives their families peace of mind."

During his time at Crossroads Care, John has been given all the training he needs to develop into a well-rounded confident and professional carer. This has included opportunities from professional qualifications to mandatory training, such as medication training, manual handling training, safeguarding awareness and intensive first aid.

As an experienced and qualified carer, John can also champion and teach others in areas as diverse as epilepsy awareness and the vulnerability of adults and children.

John said: "It's something I love, it's making that difference, seeing the smiles on people's faces, seeing the relief on people's faces. I don't think you get that with a lot of other jobs. Knowing we make a difference every day of our working lives, that's what makes me proud to care."

Watch the real life stories and find out more about a career in care on the Proud to Care Gloucestershire website.