An IRVINE councillor has praised our caring key workers risking their lives at the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Irvine West Cllr Shaun Macauley, praised the heroic efforts of Irvine and Kilwinning’s care workers during the current pandemic, ahead of the recent clap for carers.

And the SNP councillor, who has worked in social care himself, said it’s been like nothing that he has ever experienced before but that the community spirit was uplifting.

Cllr Macauley said: “Since I left school I’ve always worked in social care in some capacity – I still do work part time along with being a local councillor in Irvine. It’s a job I love and have always known it brings out the best in people.

“Right now I know many, like my team, are working much longer days, with little days off and covering staff absence in new projects unfamiliar to them.

“It’s like nothing I’ve ever experienced before but the dedication I see everywhere I’ve worked the past 4 weeks is unbelievable. People going above and beyond in ways you would never imagine.

“When I clap I’m going to think of my colleagues working themselves flat out, I’m going to think of the carers paid and unpaid who do a remarkable job, I’m going to think of the young people and service users who have had their life turned upside down and still wake up with a smile and cheer everyone up.

“No one works in social care, or cares for someone for the recognition but honestly right now watching communities come together in the only real way we can at the moment, it’s pretty uplifting and it might just be that wee extra boost someone needs before they start another 12 hour shift or care for someone through the night.”

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