Devon Social Services is backing a national campaign to encourage more people to consider social work as a career.

Nationwide, there is a shortage of trained social workers with many posts now being left unfilled by local authorities.

Community Care magazine and the Local Government Association is now launching the You Can Make a Difference campaign which focuses on how social work has helped people.

Assistant director of Devon Social Services said: "There is a national shortage of social workers and in Devon the situation is no different.

"We hope the campaign will help raise the profile of social work and attract more people into the profession.

"Social work is challenging but the rewards are extraordinarily fulfilling and you can make a difference to the lives of ordinary people.

"A wide range of training opportunities are currently available in the South West and we hope this campaign will help encourage more people to look again at social work as a career."

For more information about social work and training call 0207 520 3626, or log on to www.community- care.co.uk/ careers

For information about jobs in Devon, call Liz Curry on 01392 386607 or 383636.